Manchester United FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Ferguson feared for title race

26 Apr 2009 - 11:45:01

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Sir Alex Ferguson conceded Manchester United came close to 'blowing the title race wide open' before bouncing back to shoot down Tottenham 5-2 at Old Trafford.

United returned to the top of the table following Liverpool's earlier victory over Hull City after picking up the points against Spurs on Saturday evening.

The Red Devils had trailed 2-0 at half-time before a controversial penalty was converted by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 57th minute to gain the champions a foothold in the game.

Two goals by Wayne Rooney - the second via the outstretched leg of Jonathan Woodgate - and further strikes from Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov sealed a dramatic fightback and saw United again move three points clear at the top of the table.

"At half-time, Liverpool were right back in it," Ferguson told MUTV. "If we'd lost today it would have blown the title race wide open.

"But we've won the game and we're a goal better off than we were on Wednesday night. That's important.

"We're only two goals behind Liverpool now. The five we scored today makes a difference."

Meanwhile, Ferguson hailed the impact made by half-time substitute Carlos Tevez.

He added: "In the first half we were playing far too slowly but bringing on Carlos Tevez enthused everyone, the fans included.

"He won the game for us. He turned the game, although obviously everyone played their part.

"Wayne Rooney, as well, has such desire and it doesn't matter where you ask him to play. He has wonderful hunger and drive that can transform a team and a game."