Evra glad to swerve Ferguson fury

PATRICE Evra has admitted Sir Alex Ferguson's famous hairdryer would have been ready if Manchester United had failed to beat City in the derby-day thriller at Old Trafford on Sunday.In the aftermath of United's 4-3 win, Ferguson claimed his side should have won "by six or seven" such was their domination of Mark Hughes' side.While that assessment does not do justice to City's efforts, particularly before the break when, if anything, they were marginally the better side, undoubtedly the Red Devils were on top after half-time.And, in squandering the lead on three successive occasions, the first and last of which were a direct result of terrible defensive mistakes, Evra knows Ferguson would not have been a happy man if Michael Owen's last-ditch strike had not finally settled the contest in United's favour."It would have been very difficult to go inside the dressing room if we had drawn," Evra told MUTV. "I think the manager would have given the hairdryer to everybody."But to score like that, in the last second of the game, was just amazing."The players on the bench were coming on the pitch, the fans, the atmosphere - this is why I say thanks to God I play in the Premier League and for United."The Football Association might have the last word on Gary Neville's over-the-top goal celebration, plus Craig Bellamy's clash with a fan immediately after Owen's matchwinner.But Evra is more focussed on a title race in which everyone, apart from Chelsea, has now lost at least one game."It was important to win because City hadn't lost," he said."When we were drawing, I was thinking that people would start to say that City are still strong because they never lose. Now everybody has lost, except for Chelsea."

Giggs form remarkable

SIR Alex Ferguson feels the knowledge Ryan Giggs is coming to the end of his illustrious career is providing the platform for the Welshman to remain one of Manchester United’s most influential players.

Giggs’ goal at Tottenham a fortnight ago took him to the brink of becoming only the ninth United player to reach 150 goals for the club.

In addition, Giggs now stands on 99 Premier League goals, having scored in each season of the competition since its inception in 1992.

However, it was as a creator of chances that Giggs stood out against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Cardiff-born star was majestic in the second half, having been told to stay close to the touchline by Ferguson.

And the sure touch he displayed to provide Michael Owen with the opportunity to score the winner six minutes into stoppage time confirmed Giggs remains at the very top of his game.

In a career that has gleaned 11 Premier League titles alone, Ferguson has never been short of praise for a player who has been the bedrock of so many brilliant Reds teams.

And, as Giggs approaches his 36th birthday, Ferguson feels the player is responding.

“The horrible part of being a footballer is that at some stage you are finished with the game,” said Ferguson. “It catches us all.

“When someone like Ryan is playing at the level he is at, he realises to stay there, he has to prepare himself in the right way.

“He has to look after himself and do the right things.

“It is not a matter of him defying his age. It is more a case that there is no discernable deterioration in his game at all. It is remarkable.”

Ferguson admitted he could have said much the same two years ago. If it is possible, Giggs is becoming even more influential.

“I don’t know what else there is to say about him,” said the Scot. “His form is just the same as it was last season.

“He has never carried any weight. He has always been a slim athlete. That helps too. Physique has a lot to do with it.”