Ferguson points finger at linesman
Stephen Wood
Alex Ferguson cursed bad luck and blamed the absence of a linesman's flag for Manchester United's 1-1 draw at West Ham United on Sunday.
Jermain Defoe, the England under-21 striker, equalised for the home side with four minutes remaining despite United appeals for offside.
Television evidence appeared to support the former English champions, and Ferguson said: "We played well, but it's unfortunate that you get a linesman that has a bad performance like today.
"We need a break at the moment...hopefully we will get everyone back fit and that little bit of luck you need will turn our way."
The draw left United in fifth place, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, but Ferguson added: "I don't think it's serious...someone asked me the other day about not winning away games, but there's nothing you can do about (refereeing) decisions."
United's only away win in the league this term has come at Charlton Athletic, although the one bright spot for them at Upton Park was the performance of Wes Brown, making his first appearance since breaking an ankle in August.
"We worried about Wes's first game, but he was fantastic," Ferguson told Sky Sports television. "Hopefully he'll get two or three years without injury and you'll see a fantastic player."
Brown will be needed as United cope with injuries to five first team regulars -- Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham and Gary Neville.
Ferguson confirmed that Beckham and Neville could expect to be out for up to three weeks with rib and thigh problems respectively.
DEFOE TRIBUTE
West Ham complained that Ruud van Nistelrooy was offside at the start of the move that led to the Netherlands international giving United the lead eight minutes before halftime.
Ferguson said: "Was Ruud offside when he scored? If he wasn't interfering with play in the first place, then I don't think it's offside".
West Ham manager Glenn Roeder, under pressure recently with his side second from bottom of the table, paid tribute to Defoe.
The 20-year-old has been struggling in the absence of injured strike partner Freddie Kanoute, and his goal against United was his first in seven league games.
"I think this has been the toughest period of his life," Roeder told reporters. "I've had no alternative but to play him, but he has remained so mentally strong.
"Even when things have been going wrong he's stayed strong...if there was anyone who deserved that goal today it was him."
Roeder's job was on the line when Leeds United went 4-1 up last week before West Ham fought back for a gallant 4-3 defeat.
After being praised by Ferguson on Sunday, Roeder said: "I've never lost faith in my players, and I'd like to think that they have faith in me.
"Perhaps last week, 4-1 down at halftime, could be our turning point. There have been tough words here but the players always work hard and I think we deserved a point against United."
