Fergie unhappy with ref

Sir Alex Ferguson described Andre Marriner's decision to send off Paul Scholes as 'terrible' following Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Tottenham.

Scholes was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, a challenge on Tom Huddlestone, with the match still in the balance at 2-1 early in the 59th minute.

It could have proved to be a turning point and Ferguson believes Marriner dismissed Scholes purely on reputation.

"It was a terrible sending off, I think the referee got it wrong. I have looked at the video twice and I don't see any sending off," said Ferguson.

"The Tottenham player is the one who has committed the real foul. Scholesy was a foot above him.

"He's never touched him. He's been sent off because his name is Paul Scholes. That is why he was sent off. It was a ridiculous decision.

"It could have mattered. You are down to 10 men against Tottenham and only have a one-goal advantage. It's not easy."

United had fallen behind inside the first minute but they hit back in fine style and Ferguson was delighted with the performance.

"It was probably the best we have seen of us this season, given the fact that we were a goal down after one minute," he said.

"We had to gather our game and show composure."