Scholes (far right) is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring the winner

Sir Alex Ferguson revelled in Manchester United's 1-0 derby win over rivals Manchester City at Eastlands.

Late goals have given United bragging rights in three of four Manchester derbies this season, but Ferguson insisted Saturday's win was merited.

"It was an amazing finish," said the United boss after Paul Scholes's goal kept United within a point of leaders Chelsea, who later lost 2-1 at Spurs.

"We've three last-minute goals against them now this season but deserve it."

In September, Michael Owen scored in stoppage time to give United a 4-3 win over City at Old Trafford, while in January an injury-time header from Wayne Rooney secured Ferguson's side a 3-1 victory that sealed their place in the Carling Cup final.

"We had the best chances but it did not look like anyone was going to win," reflected Ferguson, who has been riled by big-spending City this season. "The game became very open in the last 10 minutes.

"Derbies are derbies and the way we have won has given our supporters great excitement," added Ferguson. "To do it that way on City's own ground is a great result for us.

"We wanted to keep a clean sheet because we know if we get back to zero against it gives us a chance. One-nil wins have played a big part in our title wins and 1-0 today shows that's true."

The United boss singled out Scholes for special praise after the midfielder's headed winner.

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"No-one is better than him at ghosting into the box," said Ferguson of the 35-year-old who signed a new one-year extension to his contract on Friday.

"He was man of the match today, he was wonderful, he's such a skilful player."

Scholes has made more than 400 appearances for United, winning nine Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups, as well as playing in United's 2008 Champions League final win over Chelsea.

He was part of the much-vaunted United youth side that also featured Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and David Beckham and made his Premier League debut against Ipswich in 1994.

This season the Salford-born player has scored six goals in 34 appearances.

Scholes said: "I think we were the team pressing to try to score and fortunately we were lucky enough to win the game with not much time left.

"It's nice to win any game against City, and away from home especially."

Roberto Mancini's City team now have a real fight on their hands in the race for the fourth Champions League spot with Tottenham.

"We did not deserve to lose this game - I am disappointed we lost it in the last second," said Mancini.

"We have four difficult games left and the crucial one will be when we meet Tottenham at home on 5 May. We will fight until the end.

"We have been very unlucky against United and I think we have improved from the last time we met them. I always want to win but sometimes it is not possible."

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