Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie pleased with Giggs
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with the performance of Ryan Giggs in Saturday's 2-0 win at Stoke after opting to use the veteran sparingly.
The Welshman set up goals for Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea at the Britannia Stadium as the defending Premier League champions returned to the top of the table.
Substitute Giggs had received lavish praise from Ferguson during the week and the 35-year-old again lived up to his billing after replacing the ineffective Nani.
Ferguson opted to rest the midfielder following last weekend's derby with Manchester City, where he helped Michael Owen score the winner, and with Wednesday's UEFA Champions League trip to Wolfsburg in mind.
But the United boss was still pleased with Giggs' performance, telling Sky Sports: "It was marvellous movement for the first goal and a nice, easy pass into Berbatov, and it was a good finish.
"With Ryan we felt that, with the programme we have got coming up, and after a really difficult game last Sunday in terms of energy and the emotions, it was best for him to be a substitute today."
Ferguson has also revealed his disappointment with the way Paul Scholes is treated by referees, following suggestions the midfielder could have been dismissed at the Britannia Stadium.
Scholes claimsThe 34-year-old returned from suspension against Stoke, having been sent off at Tottenham earlier this season, and the Potters claimed he should have again been heading for an early bath.
Scholes was booked for a challenge on Liam Lawrence in the second half and there were then claims for another yellow card when the ball struck his hand later in the match.
Ferguson, though, believes any red card would have been harsh and that the former England ace is victimised, saying: "I don't know if it was a handball. I'm not sure about that.
"I think that Paul Scholes is an easy target for the referee, without doubt. Some of the tackles that were going on there today never got booked.
"Paul is two tackles and a booking. It is unbelievable. I don't agree with that at all. He is not getting the proper consideration."
But Ferguson was pleased to earn the three points at Stoke, which saw United overtake Chelsea at the top of the table on goal difference.
He said: "It is always a difficult place to come. They have got fantastic fans and you can't relax. It is a good performance for us."
