Sir Alex Ferguson singled out a resurgent Ryan Giggs for praise after the Manchester United midfielder scored his third goal in two games in the defeat of Southampton.

The Welsh international had been heavily criticised in recent weeks for a string of lacklustre performances.

But he was a key force throughout the 2-0 win over Saints, slotting home a goal in the 22nd minute.

"We expected that, from that position, Ryan, with his pace, would give them bother and he proved it in the first half," said Ferguson.

I was pleased with the first half - it went according to plan apart from the two goals Gordon Strachan

"He kept popping up in areas where they couldn't handle him. He ran at them and turned them on their back foot. It was a really good performance.

"That is three goals in two games for him now and we are very pleased."

United's victory, which keeps them six points behind Arsenal in the Premiership, was marred by an injury to Fabien Barthez.

The French goalkeeper had to be stretchered off the field after falling awkwardly and remains a major doubt for Tuesday's match against Birmingham.

Ferguson added: "Hopefully it's just a bad kick that he's got, but we'll know more later on.

"He has got a lot of swelling. Hopefully we can get him ready for the derby (against Manchester City next weekend) but I don't think he will be fit for Tuesday."

'Comfortable winners'

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan remained upbeat despite the defeat at St Mary's.

He said: "I was pleased with the first half - it went according to plan apart from the two goals.

"We've done well in the first half and, for the first 15 minutes of the second half, we've done well again.

"But we were struggling at the end and they were comfortable winners for the last half-hour."

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the game's only other goal after 15 minutes but Strachan felt Saints should have at least got one back.

Referee Phil Dowd refused to award a penalty after Roy Keane tripped Jo Tessem right in front of goal, much to Strachan's chagrin.

He said: "I've seen it (the penalty) and he's come in behind him so that gave them a bit of luck, but the good thing about that was for the next 10 minutes we got everything, but we didn't use our opportunities very well."