Fergie admits: It was penalty

WHO, ME? ... Michael Carrick protests his innocence - but not even Fergie was convinced

By MARTIN BLACKBURN

WAYNE ROONEY'S winner lifted Manchester United back to the top of the table — but even boss Alex Ferguson admitted they got lucky.

Fulham should have been awarded a late penalty when Michael Carrick fouled sub Danny Murphy.

Boss Alex Ferguson said: "Yes, Michael tapped their player's heel and they had a good claim.

"The ref was lenient also in the first half when we should have had a penalty for handball. Maybe the ref was thinking about that."

Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "We expected a penalty to be given but it takes a very brave referee to give one against United at Old Trafford. This isn't the first time, especially not for me.

"Everyone in the stadium expected a penalty and the ref would have had to send Carrick off.

"We could have shocked them, they looked very nervous."

Ferguson admitted: "Fulham finished the game very strongly and caught us out on the counter-attack
.