Ferguson: Mourinho got it wrong

Alex Ferguson has called on Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to apologise for the second time in 72 hours after Manchester United ensured they would be top of the Barclays Premiership at Christmas.

Mourinho was forced to backtrack in midweek over his comments about the antics of Everton striker Andrew Johnson.

Now Ferguson believes Mourinho should say sorry again after failing to live up to his claims that Chelsea would be at the head of the table on December 25.

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and a wonderful strike from Paul Scholes today ensured United earned a comfortable 3-0 victory at Aston Villa.

Ferguson said: "Perhaps it shows that we shouldn't believe Jose Mourinho. He said Chelsea would be top at Christmas and they are not.

"He had to apologise after lying about an Everton player this week. Perhaps he should be apologising again."

Ferguson was pleased with the form of his side after the shock setback at West Ham, and in particular Ronaldo - who tormented the Villa defence.

The Scot believes the Portuguese winger is "as good as anyone in the country" in his current form and he now has eight league goals to his credit.

Ferguson said: "It is a big result after last week's disappointment when we controlled the game, we should have won. The nature of football is that those things happen.

"A new manager comes in (Alan Curbishley) and it is almost like fate at what happens.

"But today the players got to grips with the game, played some great football and we've also great determination because Villa are a handful.

"There wasn't much in it in the first half but after the break we turned it around and Ronaldo was unbelievable.

"He is in great form. He shows great courage and strength and he was a revelation today. He is as good as anyone in the country.

"He has got eight goals now and he could get us 15 this season. He is capable of doing that."

Ferguson left Wayne Rooney out of his starting line-up because of a midweek family bereavement which meant him having two days off but he was hardly missed as United strolled to victory.

Ferguson is also optimistic that midfielder Michael Carrick will be available to play next week against Reading next weekend after being unavailable because of an ankle injury.

The United chief explained: "Michael did some light training yesterday and reports that he will be out for a month are nonsense. He will be ready for Reading."

Villa, in contrast, have now gone seven games without a win and manager Martin O'Neill felt that the first goal from Ronaldo early in the second half was the turning point.

He said: " We played well up until the first goal. We took the game to United and I thought we were giving as good as we were getting. But it was disappointing to lose the first goal in the fashion we did.

"We were attacking in their half, lost possession and Ronaldo runs a fair distance and scores at the second attempt.

"We lost a bit of shape after that. They then scored a terrific second goal through Scholes and we were chasing the game from then on.

"But we were up against a team that will be challenging very strongly for the Championship.

"I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson. He is putting another team together who can challenge strongly.

"Eventually Manchester United beat us quite well but I'm not so sure the scoreline tells the whole story.

"They are a class side which we will hope to aspire to one day - but that is some distance off."