Ferguson relieved after win

Van Nistelrooy scores a penalty for United's second

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised his side's persistence after they kept in touch with the title pace-setters by beating Everton at Old Trafford.

Everton held out until four minutes before the end - only to be hit by a three-goal United salvo.

Ferguson admitted it was a tough night for his side, hailing David Moyes's side as "the best Everton team I've seen in years".

Pictures from Old Trafford

The only cloud on United's night was a calf injury to England captain David Beckham, although he expects to be fit for the European Championship games against Slovakia and Macedonia.

Ferguson, who saw Paul Scholes score twice and Ruud van Nistelrooy strike from the penalty spot in the late flurry, said: "There is nobody better at grabbing goals from midfield than Paul Scholes.

"He played really well all night but I was relieved at the end because we frittered away a lot of chances.

I am somewhere between gutted and disappointed. I cannot believe it.

Everton manager David Moyes

"We had some fantastic passing moves. Our movement and attacking was breathtaking at times but we couldn't get the ball in the net.

"We got to the by-line on a number of occasions but made the wrong decisions. Once we got in front it was a different game.

"That was the best Everton side I have seen in years - maybe since their 1986 team - and the scoreline didn't do them justice."

Everton boss Moyes said: "I am somewhere between gutted and disappointed. I cannot believe it.

"You get lows in football and this is one of the worst. Like the players, I felt sick when we conceded the first after so much effort.

Weir receives the red card

"After that you hope to get a decision or two but maybe that is another lesson learned about coming to Old Trafford."

Moyes was referring to the incident immediately after Scholes' opening strike which saw skipper David Weir sent off for dragging back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer inside the penalty area.

Van Nistelrooy slammed home the spot-kick before Scholes wrapped up the win by smashing his second into the top corner from the edge of the area.

"I have seen the penalty incident on television and, while David initially tugged Solskjaer's shirt, it took place outside the area," said Moyes.

"I don't think he was even going to get his shot away at the end. I'm not going to ask the referee to look at it again, it is up to him."

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