‘Poor’ United edge victory on emotional day

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side were fortunate to come away from an emotionally-charged Anfield with three points after beating 10-man Liverpool 2-1.

Tributes were paid by both sides to the 96 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough, in Liverpool’s first home since the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report into the 1989 disaster, which exonerated the fans of blame.

The hosts dominated for the majority of the match, even after Jonjo Shelvey's 39th–minute red card for a two–footed lunge on Jonny Evans.

Steven Gerrard's volley gave his side the lead seconds after the interval but Rafael curled in an equaliser before Robin van Persie scored United's first penalty of the season after Glen Johnson brought down Antonio Valencia.

Ferguson said: "I thought we were poor. Over the last four years we have allowed the (Anfield) crowd to get at us a little bit.

"They gave fantastic support to their team and they dominated.

"We played better in the second half but it was against 10 men and Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs' experience got us through.”






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