SOCCER:Alex Ferguson prides himself on the frequency with which his Manchester United players win games with late goals. "No other side in the world has done it as many times as us," he likes to boast but the manager was candid enough to acknowledge yesterday that the champions were "a bit fortuitous" in their 2-1 defeat of Everton.

Ferguson was referring to the game's decisive moment, with only two minutes of normal time remaining, when Steven Pienaar had what David Moyes described as a "moment of madness" to swing out his back leg and trip Ryan Giggs for the softest of penalties.

"The young boy showed his inexperience," said a relieved Ferguson. "Time was running out and I was beginning to worry but we kept going at them and kept doing our very best.

"My experience at this club is that we never give in. We have scored so many late goals in the past that I am not surprised.

"There was a bit of luck but Cristiano composed himself very well and took the penalty kick expertly."

Pienaar apologised to his team-mates in the dressing-room and Moyes did not spare the 25-year-old from taking the blame. "It was one of those moments you look at and think 'That cannot have happened,'" Everton's manager said.

"There is no explanation."

Had he asked Pienaar for an explanation?

"I have not asked Steven about it - I have told him. I cannot hide the fact it was a poor decision but, if I say that, I also have to say how well he has done for us over the last two months."

Ronaldo's penalty won the match and Ferguson eulogised about the 22-year-old, describing his performance as "absolutely perfect" and praising him for being so calm under so much pressure.

"The temperament and confidence Cristiano has shown since he was a kid surfaces at times like that," he said.

Ronaldo has scored 16 goals in as many games and Ferguson believes the Portugal winger ought to have been named Fifa's world player of the year ahead of Kaka and the runner-up, Lionel Messi, at last week's awards ceremony.

"The boy has got everything," he continued. "We are expecting goals from him all the time and I don't think he ever made a mistake today. It was a marvellous performance."

Ronaldo said: "I'm very happy with Christmas coming up. I think Father Christmas gave me my present early.

"The most important thing is the team. The game was very tough, Everton played very well and created a few bad things for us. I think the lads played very well.

"In the first half it was not too good but second half I think we played better, created more chances and I think we deserved to win. It's important; we've got many games coming up now and it's important always to win. At home you need to win.

"With the next games there is not too much time to rest, so it was important to win to stay near the top."

The victory puts United a point behind Arsenal going into their game at Sunderland on St Stephen's Day.

"We have started the Christmas period well," said Ferguson. "The first half in particular was a very even game. Everton played their part, without question. We had a great start; it was a great strike from Cristiano and at that moment I thought 'Yes, this is us.'

"But they came back. I am not happy at the goal we lost. We didn't close the cross down quickly enough and Tim Cahill, who is very good in the air, came in at the back post and scored."

At that point Everton looked like one of the more admirable sides to visit Old Trafford this season.

"I don't feel as though we have lost," said Moyes. "I actually feel quite buoyant because of the way we played. Manchester United are a great side who can cause anyone problems and I feel as if we played well enough to get something out of the game.

"In the end we have lost to the champions, to a penalty kick in the last minute. I think that is a sign that Everton are getting closer."

The only downside for Ferguson was that United's Dutch goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, missed yesterday's game because of a groin problem and will not be involved against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.