Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his legal dispute with major shareholder John Magnier has been a distraction this season. But Ferguson said United, who beat Spurs 3-0 at Old Trafford, would bounce back from their recent set backs.
"Things have not gone our way lately and it would be foolish to pretend otherwise," said Ferguson.
"But it's not meltdown. Although we may be suffering from a bloodied nose, the empire's not crumbling."
The comprehensive win gave some respite to Ferguson who has come in for major criticism after United's Champions League exit and their 4-1 derby defeat by Manchester City.
Ferguson was full of praise for Ryan Giggs - who had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford - following the winger's inspired form against Spurs.
"On that form, Ryan is a sensational player," said Ferguson.
"He has spent 14 years running up and down that left wing and maybe we expect too much of him at times. "You have to take into account the injuries he has had and the amount of rehabilitation he has had. It really takes it out of you, which is why I am so pleased with his performance."
Ferguson settled his dispute with Magnier over the stud rights to the racehorse Rock of Gibraltar earlier this month, but sent out a defiant message in his programme notes.
"There are people dancing on what they perceive to be our grave but I am not cracking up and neither am I feeling the pressure," he said.
"People cast around for reasons for our setbacks, which range from my supposed preoccupation with a racehorse to my transfer signings.
"We will come out of this and we look to our supporters to stand firm and help us through a rough ride."
Ferguson defended the changes he has made to his squad, allowing David Beckham and Juan Sebastian Veron to leave and bringing in new faces like Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and David Bellion.
"This has been a season of great change," said Ferguson.
"I have brought a group of younger players into the squad and it would be unrealistic to expect them all to make an immediate impact. You have to give them time.
"I have to plan ahead and rebuild a team that will be with us for a few years rather than just for one more season.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
You have to give young players time 