United defender Nemanja Vidic scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time.
He said: “If we get within two or three points of the top two by the turn of the year, we will have a marvellous chance.
“It has not been easy for us but we have coped very well. Our form has been very good.”
Fergie left Carlos Tevez, four goals hero from their Carling Cup clash in the midweek, out of his starting line-up.
Ferguson said: “I had a long chat with Carlos (before the game).
“If the performance had not been as good against Manchester City last week he would have played. But I couldn’t get him on quickly enough in the second half.
“He brought energy to the front part of the pitch. It was a really good half hour.”
