Boss salutes dogged defence

Sir Alex Ferguson took time to praise his back four after the Reds' defence stood firm at Villa Park to help United book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.

Edwin van der Sar had little to do during a lacklustre 90 minutes, thanks in the main to the dogged displays in front of him from Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Sir Alex was delighted with the 2-0 victory over Martin O'Neill's side - earned through late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Wayne Rooney - and saluted a resolute performance from his defenders.

"It was an absolutely magnificent performance from all of them," he told MUTV. "We never looked like losing a goal which is crucial in a tight cup tie. And especially when you look at the good form Aston Villa have been in.

"So it was important that we didn't give them any encouragement and the defence can take great credit for that.

"There was nothing in it in the first half and to be honest as the game went on I couldn't see a goal coming," added Sir Alex. "We didn't have any really great chances up until the first goal from Ronaldo.

"Villa had doubled-up on him all day and never made it easy for the boy. But he's always likely to do what he did and that goal opened things up for us because it forced them to try and get back into it. It's a great result and we're very pleased."

Wayne Rooney's introduction in the 70th minute made the difference and Sir Alex was delighted with the striker's contribution.

"He changed the game," declared the boss. "He brought a sudden thrust of enthusiasm and direct play through the way he attacked their defenders.

"We've been looking for a new Solskjaer to come off the bench for a few years now," joked the boss. "No really though, he made a heck of a difference when he came on."

The manager was also keen to heap praise on United's travelling faithful, around seven thousand of whom made the journey to the Midlands.

"They were absolutely fantastic," he said. "Every time we come to Villa Park whether it be for an FA semi-final or a league match they're always really up for it and that makes a difference to the team.

"I made that point last week [after the Birmingham game]. And when our fans are like they were today we don't let them down."