BACK IN THE OLD ROUTINE

Yet another not bad but in reality mediocre side outfox United by sitting back, playing tight and hitting on the break as so many crap teams have done this past year. Time for a tactical rethink perhaps? Here’s how Fergie saw it:

"3-1 was a harsh scoreline considering the possession of the ball we had. I think in the first half we threw it away. We had the possession but didn't keep the concentration to capitalise. And they got a breakaway in the last minute. Immediately after half time they got another goal and we made it an uphill fight.

"We got one back and threw everything at it. But when you do that there's the danger you will lose anther one, and we did.

"When you are trying to claw something back in the game then it’s always worth trying [Rio as striker]. We've done it in the past. Steve Bruce has ended the game up there, Gary Pallister. Laurent Blanc did it a couple of times last season. And I think it is worth the risk to get a point.”

Steve McClaren:

"We're just concentrating on what we're doing and I'm pleased today for the players because of the performance and the belief now.

"What a performance. The players were magnificent. I couldn't fault them. There have been many great performances, especially this season, but that was very, very good.

"It's three massive points. We needed that result. We needed it for us and our players and the fans who turned up today.”