Ferguson Defends Penalty Decision

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has defended referee Mike Dean's decision to award his side a controversial penalty during United's 3-1 victory over Newcastle on Sunday.

A double from Wayne Rooney and spot-kick conversion from Ruud van Nistelrooy were enough to take 3 points off Graeme Souness' side at St. James' park. The game, like most games nowadays, was marred by penalty controversy and there were mixed opinions after the game.

Ferguson bluntly put it: "Paul Scholes was brought down,"

"But what I said before the game is right, the breaks even themselves out over a season." he added.

"It was a very hard game. Newcastle put everything into the match but some of our football was excellent." 

Fellow Scottish manager Graeme Souness however thinks it was a harsh penalty, claiming: : "I think Wayne Rooney has pushed Andy O'Brien, you'd have to say it's a hard penalty."

Meanwhile, double-goal hero Wayne Rooney still insists the title race isn't over after United's fine performance yesterday. "We all believe in ourselves, especially after today as coming to Newcastle is always difficult." said the 19-year old.

"With Chelsea and Arsenal winning we needed the victory here to keep ourselves in the race."