Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that his side were "fortunate" to beat Southampton 2-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Jay Rodriguez gave the visitors a surprise early lead at Old Trafford before two goals from Wayne Rooney earned an under-par United side the three points.
"For the first 30 minutes I thought we were fantastic, we played really well," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.
"But in the second half Southampton have been the best team to play here this season. We were fortunate to win the game."
The victory for United has moved them seven points clear of rivals City in the Premier League table.