Ferguson, 68 on New Year's Eve, saw Wayne Rooney deliver another masterclass as second-placed United turned up the heat in the Barclays Premier League title race by also cutting Chelsea’s advantage in terms of goal difference to just two.
After goals by Rooney, Michael Carrick, Rafael, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia,a delighted Ferguson said: ‘I think the first 45 minutes were the best we have seen this season. It was marvellous stuff.’
Ferguson also hailed the central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and
Wes Brown as a crucial reason for two Christmas victories - after a month of trying to patch up a threadbare defence, Ferguson finally has two recognised central defenders available.
He insisted: 'The key to both tonight and Sunday was having the two centre-halves back. Brown and Vidic were magnificent, as they were at Hull. If we get the rest of
them back we have a magnificent chance because we are in great form.'
As Jonny Evans is in contention to face Leeds in the FA Cup on Sunday and Rio
Ferdinand is not far behind the Northern Ireland star as he plots a comeback from a back injury, Ferguson could soon have his usual squad to choose from.
Ferguson was also full of praise for Rooney's all-round game, adding: 'Wayne was absolutely fantastic again, just like Sunday .The energy he showed in his game and his desire is marvellous.'
It was also a good night for third-placed Arsenal as they demolished troubled bottom club Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park.
They are now only four points behind Chelsea with a match in hand and manager Arsene Wenger made it clear the title race is very much on, saying: ‘We’re up for it. We’re ready for the fight.’
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