Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Paul Scholes for keeping Manchester United's Barclays Premier League title hopes alive.
Scholes scored in the third minute of injury time to settle the Manchester derby at Eastlands 1-0 in United's favour and keep the reigning champions in sight of leaders Chelsea.
Ferguson said the title would have been out of sight had United been held to a draw. He told Sky Sports: "It would have been very, very difficult if we had not won. "I think we deserved to win the match, no question, but I couldn't see a goal coming.
"I decided to put Scholes a bit further forward and it paid off. "He was man of the match, he was wonderful, he's such a skilful player."
Ferguson also paid tribute to the influence of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. He added: "The experience in these games in definitely important and can be vital in helping other players as well as their own contribution."
Neville said United needed a positive result after the disappointment of their Champions League exit.
He added: "We were hoping for something as we had not had a great two weeks. Scholesy had passed them to death all day and gives us a little bit of life. "We just have to hope someone does us a favour."
Scholes' performance in midfield had helped United dominate the match in a game of few chances.
Scholes said: "I think we were the team pressing to try to score and fortunately we were lucky enough to win the game with not much time left. "It's nice to win any game against City and away from home especially."
City boss Roberto Mancini said he was "angry and disappointed".
Mancini said: "That's football, it's incredible, but for us it doesn't change anything, we have another four games.
"We are very disappointed to lose and I'm very angry but always positive. "We had some chances and we didn't deserve to lose but that's football.
"We played a good game but it was difficult for us and United, and when Scholes scored in the last few seconds it was unlucky.
"This doesn't change the situation for fourth place - the crucial match will be against Tottenham here."
