[machoman]

Ferguson sounds title warning after opening win
Monday, August 27, 2007, 08:15:53 HRS

Sir Alex Ferguson sounded a warning to Manchester United's title rivals after the reigning Premier League champions finally got their season up and running with victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

A spectacular 30-yard goal from young Portuguese talent Nani, his first for the club, earned United their first victory of the season and lifted them up to 10th in the table after they had started the day next to bottom.

However, United were far from convincing and survived two second half penalty appeals after Dimitar Berbatov went sprawling under a challenge from Nemanja Vidic before referee Howard Webb waved away another protest after Berbatov's shot hit Wes Brown.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol is convinced it struck the England defender's hand, but Ferguson insists Webb made the right decision.

Despite his side's nervous performance, Ferguson believes United will continue to make up for lost ground after failing to register a win in the opening three games.

United entertain newly-promoted Sunderland, managed by former United star Roy Keane, on Saturday.

"We've got players to come back so we're going to have to be patient," said Ferguson.

"But we have a lot of quality and we will build on this. There was nothing in the game in the second half. But we dug in and showed great commitment.

"One-nil is a good scoreline because like ourselves, Tottenham are in a wrong position in the table.

"As for the the penalty appeal involving Wes Brown, at the time Tottenham protested so much that I thought it must have been a penalty. But I've seen it again and it hit his chest. I'm sure of that."

Asked if he thought Webb would have awarded the penalty had it happened in the other penalty area, Tottenham manager Martin Jol responded: "Yes."

He added: "I'm very disappointed we didn't get a point," Jol added after a turbulent few days for the Dutchman, whose long-term future at White Hart Lane has been called into question.

"Manchester United were there for the taking. They didn't look comfortable or confident. Maybe we lacked a bit of cutting edge."

ne positive for Jol was the performance of teenage Welsh international Gareth Bale who marked his debut with an eye-catching performance.

The 10 million pound signing from Southampton was outstanding and earned special praise from Jol.

"I feel Bale is a wonderful talent," he added.

- AFP