Soccer:Martin Jol was left cursing yet more Old Trafford misery after his Fulham team were denied a last-minute penalty against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Jol was in the opposing dugout seven years ago when Pedro Mendes' shot bounced a yard over the line but Tottenham did not get a goal.

Last night 27-year-old referee Michael Oliver ruled Michael Carrick had not bundled Danny Murphy over inside the box, which allowed United to claim a 1-0 win that saw them open up a three-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

“No-one in the stadium could say Danny Murphy dived and everyone in the stadium expected a penalty,” said Jol. “A few years ago, the ball was a metre over the line and they did not give it. Maybe the linesman was not quick enough that time.

“But tonight the referee was there in line. It needed a brave decision because it was either a dive and he should book someone or he has to give Carrick a red card. I don’t want to see Carrick sent off but it needed a brave decision and I think it was a penalty kick.”

It seemed to be a clear case of the enormity of the situation influencing the outcome, although Jol opted not to reflect on such matters.

“The discussion of whether it would have been given at the other end has been going on for years and it will go on for years to come,” he said.

Even Alex Ferguson admitted it should have been a penalty, although the United boss did point out his own side should have had one in the first half when Stephen Kelly handled Patrice Evra’s cross.

“They had a claim,” he said. “But the referee was a bit lenient when we had a claim for a penalty in the first half for handball. Patrice Evra thought it was a stone-waller. Maybe that has swayed the referee because Michael Carrick caught Danny Murphy’s heel as he came back and it could have been a penalty.”

Ferguson really would have been furious if his side had not emerged with maximum points. Leading through Wayne Rooney’s 28th goal of the season shortly before half-time, United dominated possession without being able to grab the crucial second that would have killed Fulham off.

“There are no straightforward games. We know that,” said Ferguson. “The experienced players know it but the crowd still don’t. T

“They have watched us for 100 years but they still get nervous when we are not finishing teams off. And we should have finished them off.”

The result extended United’s run to 28 points from a possible 30 and provides them with a handy advantage heading into the final eight games. Relegation-threatened Blackburn provide the next test at Ewood Park in seven days’ time when Ferguson hopes Rio Ferdinand has recovered from the back problem that forced him off with 20 minutes remaining.

“Rio has a bit of stiffness,” said Ferguson. “He gets that from time to time so we brought Chris Smalling on as a safeguard. If Rio had played it out, he would probably have managed it okay but he may not have been available for a couple of weeks. We have done the right thing.”