TIME TO DELIVER

Last updated : 29 October 2004 By Editor

Scholes on MUTV:

"There was a lot of hype. Probably more than we have had leading up to a game for a long time. It seemed to be going on all through the week.

"To us it was three points we badly needed. We needed to win to keep our season alive.

"We've got to go on from there now," he said. "It's a waste of time winning against Arsenal if we don't back it up by beating Portsmouth and City.

"We have to put in the same effort and commitment against Portsmouth as we did against Arsenal."

"Our performance was a bit better but we still didn't create loads of chances.

"We did what we had to do and knew that we would always create two or three chances that could win us the game.”

O'Shea:

"We have to go on a run after beating Arsenal. It would be a terrible thing if we went down to Portsmouth and didn't pick up maximum points.

"No disrespect to them, but after you have beaten Arsenal, considering the fantastic record they had, we have to get a victory.

"We just have to make sure we focus as hard as we did then. If we do I am sure everything will be fine. Portsmouth have some quick, talented lads and it is going to be a tough game. It is arguably our most important match of the season.

"But everyone here is saying that after beating Arsenal we mustn't let that victory go down the pan.

"We just have to win there and keep the pressure up. That result has bred confidence. Sir Alex Ferguson said a few days before the game that he had a feeling we would win. It was a case of we knew what we had to do and the players did a fantastic job.

"I don't think Arsenal can have any complaints.”

Elsewhere, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Aiyegbeni Yakubu to him after spotting him in the Champions League playing for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.

"We had some good reports about him and when I asked Alex he said go over there and if you have the chance then get him.

"We took him on loan at first and he helped us get promotion before we signed him permanently. He has proved a terrific buy for us."