Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admitted the
English league champions had been given a torrid time by first division leaders Fulham on their return to the FA Cup on Sunday.
"It was gripping game and I was never quite comfortable at all at any time," said
Ferguson after Teddy Sheringham's 89th-minute goal had clinched United's 2-1 win in
the third round tie at Craven Cottage.
"We did very well in the first 15 minutes and were comfortable at that point but after
that it was a real torrid game for us."
Ferguson singled out Fulham's lively front pair Louis Saha and Luis Boa Morte for
special praise.
"I thought they were a real handful, quick and aggressive," he said.
The United manager had words of praise too for Sheringham, who is still trying to
regain full fitness.
"We'd have taken a replay with 10 minutes to go. Although we were the stronger
side in the second-half it didn't look as though we were going to win," he said.
"But it was fantastic goal from Teddy. He's been doing it all season and it is very,
very appreciated."
Sheringham, whose goal was his 16th of the season and his 25th in 41 FA Cup
games also paid tribute to Fulham.
"It was tricky pitch, which wasn't easy for either team but they made the best of
it and could have made us pay at times but that's what happens if you don't take your
chances," he said.
And in case any of United's rivals doubted it, the 34-year-old England striker said
they were just as committed as ever to regaining the trophy they won in 1999 before
skipping last year's competition.
"We're in the competition and we want to win it," he said.
Source Reuters