Fergie hails O'Shea strike

April 28, 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after the game

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes John O'Shea's goal was the turning point for his side in their 4-2 win at Everton.

United moved five points clear of title rivals Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge side drew 2-2 with Bolton.

But they had to battle back from 2-0 down at Goodison Park with O'Shea bundling the ball in from close range to spark a fightback including strikes from Wayne Rooney and Chris Eagles, and an own goal from former United stalwart Phil Neville.

Ferguson said: "I didn't think we did badly but they got two goals from two great strikes and in football that can happen.

"At that point we were toying with bringing on (Cristiano) Ronaldo if we got a goal because he's carrying an injury.

"And at that point I felt we really had a chance."

What did you think of United's performance? Have your say.

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de Meester, netherlands (28/04/2007 at 16:26)

Too true!
We dearly needed the first one!
As Cruijff says you need to get the ball on target to score!
Bless you O'S!!
I want the t-shirt.
Well SAF I expect that you geav the shirts a 'good speaking to' at the break!
YOU BEAUTIES!!!
Come On You Reds!

de Meester, netherlands (28/04/2007 at 16:41)

This is not right!
We are soooo lucky!!!I had the horrible feeling Scholesy was going to get himself carded YET again!
Of course we are so lucky, we've been on top for a great deal of the season!
(Poor chav$ki$ were losing it a bit today!)
Well done Big Sam (although I thought if we got the 1st -as SAF says - we'd get the 2nd!
Sniffer O'Shea - that's how a striker reacts!
In hindsight we have done amazingly well so far, just think about all these injuries, and if we make some more luck who knows?!?!....
UP THE REDS!

Dickson (28/04/2007 at 16:47)

Utd seemed to lack good penetration infront of the Everton goal as they usually do when Ronaldo starts.Though Utd are not a one-man teams by all measures,i felt the potential goal threat esp in the first half was not as vivid as it is with Ronaldo starting. They surely missed him in the first half. Alan Smith was getting too much hold onto the ball and Solskjear was subdued by the organised Everton defence.Once JOS got the all important game i felt it was the right time to bring on Ronaldo and am glad SAF did that. The Ronaldo factor was surely all important to the come back.
Dickson,Italy

redarmy, rochdale (28/04/2007 at 16:47)

jos there again well done fella.

Mick, Dublin (28/04/2007 at 17:31)

He needs one more Premiership goal to match Ballack and Shevchenko's tally for the season. I wouldn't put it past him.

Come to think of it, he's been so versatile this season I wouldn't put it past him to pick up a racket and win Wimbledon!

A Mancunian, Manchester (28/04/2007 at 17:53)

I think Phil Neville was man of the match but hey what do I know!

Loyal to the End (31 years, City Fans, 31 years), Nottingham, ex-Malaysia (28/04/2007 at 18:45)

Who put the ball in the scousers' net?

de Meester, netherlands (28/04/2007 at 19:19)

What an Absolutely Fabulous weekend it's turning out to be!
Marvellous 2nd half disply - should we now be so surprised - it happens more than not (fortunately for us!)
In view of starting XI (well we've not an awful lot of options!), DF will likely start on wednesday and let's be hoping that we don't get conned into any more bookings!!
Thanks to Phil, Big Sam and SAF!
Nearly there people!

Pepe (28/04/2007 at 21:12)

By far this is the luckiest escape that we had this season. 2 goals down with 30 minutes to go. we won against Liverpool , Fulham and Milan in the last minute but this time we had to score at least 3 times. when we were 2-0 down not even SAF tought that we were going to win this game.

kendod, Orlando (29/04/2007 at 00:04)

We can do it! We can do it!
What a team! What a season! This team has so much heart and determination. They never give in and you somehow know that they are always going to pull it back. I think that we should all send Phil a thank you card and how about young Eagles scoring his first in the Prem. Bring on the treble. What a time to be a reds supporter, I love it!
kendod.

ronaldo, manchester (29/04/2007 at 10:23)

awesome result,dont,dont blow it against city,one point will do.well done fergie,i admit i doubted you could do it.

adam chance, lowestoft, suffolk (29/04/2007 at 11:27)

Ah, the ecstasy!!! Chelsea PA at half time shouting out 'it's not over til the fat lady sings!' Well, as someone else once said: 'It is now!'
The lads were heroes yesterday, siezing the moment while the scum in west London foundered.
Just got to punish the bitters next week, and then it'll be Lord Ferguson!

tellastory, Sweden (29/04/2007 at 11:38)

I give all United Footballplayers,Fergusen, BBC Commentator,United Crowd and all SUPPORTERS a BIG HUG!

Look at Ferguson! He is glowing.

I´m so proud, being a United supporter.

What a joy,go United!

george (29/04/2007 at 12:28)

This was a very very big result.It strengthens UNITED's self belief and demoralises Chelski.If Pool score early Chelski could crumble in Europe.I hope
UNITED realise they have an enormous task in Milan.I'm sure SAF,Carlos and the team will give their best,and hopefully come thru.Good luck UNITED.

de Meester, netherlands (29/04/2007 at 12:38)

It is becoming apparent to me how important Carrick is becoming to the team.
His quiet - stealthy, even playing manner going about his task in an unsung manner.
He is a footballer, so different than Keane (to mention his name!) but his passing is of a better quality!
If he cost us 11m or 18m it is turning out to be an insignificant sum!
I think he can be amongst the important men on wednesday, and thereafter!
You Fabulous Reds

seamus vanisle ex-stretford (29/04/2007 at 20:11)

Must admit I've been a fully paid up member of the FOB for the past few seasons, but now I'm taking a leave of absence from that club. Given everything the club has gone through this year, injuries, apparent lack of bench strength etc, SAF has done a remarkable job this year. Not often do you see him on the sideline, all game, showing so much passion and enthusiasm for the game and his team as he did at Everton this weekend.Reminded me of Warnock. Brilliant.He can obviously taste it now, and as a result so can the players. Next weekend could do it for us.

Keane was right Sell Ronny (30/04/2007 at 07:14)

De Meester youre spot on, Ive argued long and hard that it doesnt matter (within reason) how much we pay for a player if he produces the goods when it matters - many doubted the money spent on Carrick, Rooney and Ronaldo (not to metion Ferdy) what price would we have paid though to usurp Chelsea...60M You bet we would. Money well spent. To those who doubted Ronny and sought his head...would you go back 8 months now if you could and redouble your efforts to have him booted out ????!!!

Demo, Glossop (30/04/2007 at 10:25)

that boy JOS comes to the rescue yet again! how lucky we are that some supporters didnt have their way and get rid of SAF, ronnie and JOS! The finishing line is in sight now lets not mess it up lads! Gotta beat city as well just to keep the bitters quiet!

great goal by eagles as well! whats the deal with saha? not even on the bench is he injured again?

george (30/04/2007 at 10:37)

Good move Seamus!

Steve, Glossop (30/04/2007 at 11:46)

Demo there's a lot of rumours going around that Saha's played his last game for us. I can't see it personally & I hope he's fit for Milan but it certainly appears Alex isn't pleased with him judging from the recent press conference.

Max Speed, Cheshire (30/04/2007 at 12:02)

FOR SALE
Large tin of Silver Polish
(surplus to requirements)
apply J Mourinho. Chelsea FC

Reds4Ever, West Yorkshire (30/04/2007 at 13:17)

United win, the spivs dont and Leeds all but down! Has there ever been a weekend like it?

Demo, Glossop (30/04/2007 at 13:50)

it does seem interesting cos last i read saha was fit and set for a place on the bench but then next thing he aint on the bench and no mention of him being injured or anything! i think the big indication will be whether he appears against milan on the pitch or bench!

it does look like saf might have ran out of patience

roykeane, Holland-Germany-Poland (30/04/2007 at 14:29)

Lord Ferguson? Wow.. 10 months ago or so some of you fools would have liked to see fergies Head hanging ..

Mick, Dublin (30/04/2007 at 14:34)

I heard those Saha conspiracy theories too. But time will tell.

Another mystery absentee was young Fletch. I can see the logic in resting him over the weekend, as Fergie might want him fresh for Milan (who'd have thought I'd be saying THAT by the end of this season!) but why wasn't he even on the bench?

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