Fergie fumes over the sound of silence

SILENT NIGHT was supposed to have been over a week ago, but Manchester United’s success-spoilt supporters departed Old Trafford with the criticism of Alex Ferguson ringing in their ears after Carlos Tevez’s solitary goal secured the victory that keeps the champions within touching distance of Arsenal as the race for the Premiership title enters its most telling phase.

Tevez, who faces a scan on a damaged ankle today after being carried to the dressing-room by the United physio at the game’s end, highlighted just why he has become such a popular figure at Old Trafford by standing up to the physical challenge posed by the Birmingham defenders to enhance his reputation with a match-winning performance.

Yet United had to overcome Birmingham the hard way as the 74,459 crowd inside Old Trafford watched in almost perpetual silence, despite the wizardry of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani and the passion play of Tevez.