Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to beat Sunderland 1-0 at Old Trafford, despite his side's nervy performance.
It was announced before the game that the Scot would have the North Stand named after him to coincide with his 25th year in charge of the club.
However, Ferguson believes that the celebrations before the match may have got to his players.
"It was a long day and obviously we didn't play well," he told Sky Sports News.
"There was a bit of anxiety about our play. I think Sunderland played their part in that - they never gave us time on the ball. They hustled and fought hard.
"I don't know whether you put it down to the way Sunderland played or whether it was just the occasion. Sometimes we have these emotional occasions and it was one today for me, and sometimes it gets through to the players."
United travel to Swansea City in the Premier League after the international break.
Jack Prescott
