Fergie buoyed by United form

United boss queries referee's decisions

Last updated: 23rd September 2007

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Ferguson: Pleased

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Sir Alex Ferguson feels Manchester United are approaching their best form following the 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Goals from Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha secured the points for the champions against a Chelsea side managed by Avram Grant for the first time.

Ferguson was happy with the first-half showing from his players as United scored twice in a game for the first time this season.

"I think in the context of the game of football today, in the first half-hour we played as well as we have played all season," Ferguson told Sky Sports 1.

Outstanding

"We had terrific penetration, there was great movement and passing and we were in really good form.

"At that point, maybe we should have been two goals ahead, but Petr Cech had an unbelievable save with the very first kick of the ball almost.

"I thought we were the better team and I thought our football in the early part was outstanding.

"In a way we have got our confidence back, and the style and tempo of our game back. We are looking more like ourselves."

Chelsea had John Obi Mikel sent off before conceding a late penalty after Saha exaggerated minimal contact from Tal Ben Haim.

Ferguson felt those two decisions were harsh, but believes referee Mike Dean should have awarded an earlier penalty and also shown Joe Cole a red card.

The United boss added: "We should have had a penalty kick. I thought it was a clear penalty kick and I think the cameras have shown that.

Balancing act

"Then the game changes with the sending off. When I've seen it, it's a bit harsh, but there is an intent there and he could have hurt the boy, but it's a bit harsh - a lot of referees would have let it go.

"And when you see that sending off, and Joe Cole's tackle on Ronaldo, that's the kind of tackle that's putting players out of the game.

"That should have been a red card as far as I'm concerned. It was a kick from the back, right on the Achilles, which Ronaldo is getting repeatedly. I think that was a red card, but he gets a yellow card simply because a player had been sent off in the first half and I think it was balancing by the referee.

"The second penalty looked a bit harsh and that cancelled out the first attempt. In tight games like that, the referee can get it wrong, but I don't think it affected the result of the match."