Ferguson admits lucky escape

SIR Alex Ferguson conceded Manchester United had a lucky escape before claiming the 1–0 win over Fulham.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring just before half–time with his 28th goal of the season.

But United failed to make their pressure tell and when Michael Carrick clumsily bundled over Danny Murphy inside the box a minute from time, even Ferguson said the visitors had a reasonable penalty shout.

"They had a claim," he said. "But the referee was a bit lenient when we had a claim for a penalty in the first–half for handball.

"Maybe that has swayed the referee because Michael Carrick caught Danny Murphy's heel as he came back and it could have been a penalty."

The result extended United's present run to 28 points from a possible 30 and provides a three-point lead over City into the final eight games.