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Ferguson praises "fantastic" FletcherSir Alex Ferguson has praised Darren Fletcher after Manchester United got their first win of the season against Portsmouth on Monday.
Fletcher's deflected goal was the difference between the two teams at Fratton Park, with United running out 1-0 victors, and Ferguson was quick to praise his make-shift midfield.
With six midfield players currently out of action, the United boss was forced to play John O'Shea, Anderson, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher.
"We wanted to play a system in which the players we had would be comfortable in their positions and I think we used our players the right way," Ferguson told MUTV.
"Anderson wanted to play and I think he showed it was a very good decision - he was fantastic.
"Paul Scholes looked to control the game and I think he did that. We also had the energy and the qualities that both John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher bring to the team.
Fletcher is United's only goal scorer this season, having picked up the only goal against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week. He may well lose the goal he 'scored' yesterday as his shot was deflected before reaching the back of the net.
"I don't think Darren will complain about the goal [if it's taken off him] and neither will I. He's not playing in his favourite position, but he still makes a lot of good runs and has such fantastic energy. I'm really pleased to see him get the credit he deserves," Ferguson said.
"I think we've shown the quality of our squad - I've got no fears about that. The squad from last season is good enough to go on and do it again."
The United boss is now looking forward to Friday's UEFA Super Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg in Monaco.
"We want to win on Friday. Last time we played in the final [against Lazio in 1999] we played half a team as we had a league game against Newcastle three days later," Sir Alex said.
"Lazio celebrated like they'd won the World Cup - I wasn't too pleased and I said to myself that won't happen again. We'll play a strong team. Players who need the game, like Gary Neville for instance, will play on Friday. Hopefully we get the result we want."
Fletcher's deflected goal was the difference between the two teams at Fratton Park, with United running out 1-0 victors, and Ferguson was quick to praise his make-shift midfield.
With six midfield players currently out of action, the United boss was forced to play John O'Shea, Anderson, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher.
"We wanted to play a system in which the players we had would be comfortable in their positions and I think we used our players the right way," Ferguson told MUTV.
"Anderson wanted to play and I think he showed it was a very good decision - he was fantastic.
"Paul Scholes looked to control the game and I think he did that. We also had the energy and the qualities that both John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher bring to the team.
Fletcher is United's only goal scorer this season, having picked up the only goal against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week. He may well lose the goal he 'scored' yesterday as his shot was deflected before reaching the back of the net.
"I don't think Darren will complain about the goal [if it's taken off him] and neither will I. He's not playing in his favourite position, but he still makes a lot of good runs and has such fantastic energy. I'm really pleased to see him get the credit he deserves," Ferguson said.
"I think we've shown the quality of our squad - I've got no fears about that. The squad from last season is good enough to go on and do it again."
The United boss is now looking forward to Friday's UEFA Super Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg in Monaco.
"We want to win on Friday. Last time we played in the final [against Lazio in 1999] we played half a team as we had a league game against Newcastle three days later," Sir Alex said.
"Lazio celebrated like they'd won the World Cup - I wasn't too pleased and I said to myself that won't happen again. We'll play a strong team. Players who need the game, like Gary Neville for instance, will play on Friday. Hopefully we get the result we want."
