FERGIE RUES MISSED CHANCES

“We didn't play as well as we have done in recent weeks — but that's because Newcastle didn't allow us to play. You must give credit to them.

“There will be points dropped by us and Chelsea in the run-in. It'll be a real challenge for the championship.

“They are not getting it all their own way as they have done in the last couple of years. We're serious contenders for the title.

“We've missed a stack of chances tonight and we've done enough to win the match, but you have to admire the spirit and the character of the Newcastle team.

“We did have three cleared off the line, that's unlucky, and Ryan, Louis Saha and Ji-Sung Park missed chances, but we didn't play as well as we have been. But that's because Newcastle didn't allow us to do that, they wanted to be first to every ball.”

Glenn Roeder:

“It was terrific and we will enjoy the result. When you play Manchester United you have to keep trying to take the game to them. The lads came in and did a great job and it just shows how much courage and team spirit there is in the squad.

“David Edgar is not renowned for his 25 yarders and he must have been saving it for a special occasion. It was very, very pleasing to see that ball hit the back of the net, it goes without saying.

“Every person has dreams in their life and for very few, those dreams come true. I would say today for David Edgar and his father Eddie, who was here to see his son play, that is one of the few occasions when a dream has come true.

“I said to them before the game and I reminded them of it afterwards, anything is achievable in life. I would say that is as well as Newcastle have done against Manchester United for a while. I like to think the fans have seen a good game today and have gone away happy.

“I am a greedy person and it would have been nice to have taken three points, but in the circumstances, losing Nicky Butt two hours before kick-off, and he was so upset about that, we know it is a very good point.

“They [Huntington and Edgar] were my centre-back partnership in the Academy last year, so I know them inside out. I know their strengths, I know their weaknesses. I was concerned both for Paul and for David that maybe the ask was too big, too soon.

“Remember, Paul Huntington made his debut against Chelsea and has now had seven games and has done very, very well; David Edgar has now had two and both of them have been a pleasant surprise to me.

“That is not me being negative about them at all, it is me being very protective of young players because young players need protecting.”

Edgar said:

“Words cannot describe how I feel. It was a big thing just to get called up to play in front of 52,000 Geordies — but to score as well is a dream come true. My dad came over from Canada to watch me play so it's been a special day.”

Milner:

“We knew it was going to be tough but the result says everything about the quality of the youngsters at this club.”