HE SAID WHAT

Last updated : 28 February 2005 By editor

From The Official site:

A vital late winner

"Time was running out, but as we've seen so many times over the years their determination and perseverance gets them over the line. That was one of these games."

Tricky Old Trafford surface

"The pitch was a bit lively. It had dried up a great deal and that happens here because the drainage is so good. It wasn't comfortable for the players in terms of quick passing. They're always having to take a touch and I think that was a reason for some of the passing being short."

Wayne Rooney's solo show

"He was fantastic. I thought he was by far our best player and he was magnificent today. He's a winner. He's the one who was taking the baton up, making the run for the line and all day he was on-song."

Ruud's comeback

"A terrific performance. It was his first 90 minutes in three months and he was terrific. I was really pleased and with the winning goal, the speed of the pass to Wayne and the control of Wayne killed the centre half and he scored a really nice goal."

No finger-pointing for Pompey goal

"I think there was a bit of luck attached to it. When the ball came into our box, I think it was Alan Smith who blocked it and it just fell nicely to the boy. He's got it on the half volley and I think it was a well-taken goal really."

Importance of the win

"It was a terrific result for us today for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it can be difficult after a Wednesday night with such emotions and importance for the club. Plus Rio Ferdinand has a hamstring injury, I felt Roy Keane had to be rested and then Gary Neville was taken off at half-time. He's gone for an x-ray, hopefully it's not serious.

"All these changes don't help you in terms of continuity, but the most important thing is that we won the game. Over the years, these kinds of results have resulted in us going for championships, and they also stress the perseverance and determination of Manchester United."