Fergie hails old guard for heroics

LONDON: Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Manchester United's old stagers after his side returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Ferguson picked veteran midfielders Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes for the testing trip to Upton Park because he wanted as much experience as possible against the in-form Hammers.

His decision was vindicated as Giggs scored the second-half winner, while Scholes gave a typically industrious and intelligent display.