Sir Alex Ferguson pleased at Manchester United's 10-point lead

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson emphasised the importance of beating Fulham as his side went 10 points clear at the top of the league.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal as United won 1-0 at Craven Cottage with second-placed rivals Manchester City playing Liverpool on Sunday.

"They've had a great home record over the years and that's a really important result for us," said Ferguson.

"It's a good position [being 10 points clear], we're pleased."

United have now won at Fulham for the past two seasons but had lost twice and drawn once in the preceding three seasons.

"This is not an easy place to come to and over the years they've been difficult to beat here," said Ferguson, speaking to the club website.

"It was a good performance, a really good game, an important result."

United hit the woodwork three times, while Fulham were also denied by the post in a match with plenty of chances at both ends.

Ferguson added: "When you look at our performance, you saw players who were prepared to put their body on the line.

"We blocked shots, had great headers out of the defence, it was a really determined effort by the players and we still played our football into the bargain."