Fergie maintains cup record

Fergie still unbeaten against lower league sides in FA Cup

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 4th January 2009

Fergie maintains cup record

Ferguson: Pleased with performance

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has not got a secret when it comes to defeating lower league teams in the FA Cup.

Ferguson was speaking after his side had comprehensively defeated Southampton 3-0 in the FA Cup third round at St Mary's; maintaining a record which has seen the Scot never lose to lower league opposition in the competition during his time at Old Trafford.

United handed an FA Cup debut to 18-year-old Danny Welbeck and he responded by opening the scoring on 20 minutes.

The game was effectively over as a contest eight minutes before the break when Saints striker Matthew Paterson was handed a straight red card for a lunge on Nemanja Vidic.

Nani then added a second from the spot after a dubious penalty decision and substitute Darron Gibson rounded off the scoring with a third late on.

Focus

"There's no secret, the important thing is the players must focus," Ferguson explained.

"You have to always hope you're not a shock. We're always saying that to the players, 'Don't shock us'."

Ferguson was quick to praise Welbeck and admitted that the player was only replaced by Wayne Rooney after 60 minutes because of a slight injury.

"He did fine, he just got a knock in the first half," he added.

"We knew all about his temperament and he's got an enthusiasm for playing but the potential is definitely there."

The Scot was also sympathetic towards young Southampton striker Paterson, who received his marching orders after just 37 minutes.

"It was rash so it was easier for the referee to send him off," the 67-year-old said.

"If the referee had booked him at the start then it could have settled him down. It was just enthusiasm I think."