Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says their narrow 1-0 win over Fulham was a wake-up call for has players.

United won the match thanks to Wayne Rooney's lone goal.

"The matches are all challenges," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "That's a great indication. It was a great game for us tonight because that's exactly what it's going to be like for the rest of the season. Teams are going to be battling and fighting, trying to survive, and not be lambs to the slaughter to Manchester United because they don't want to be seen to be laying down.

"Fulham put in a massive effort tonight. They're a very experienced team and were very difficult to break down. When you sit back, it doesn't matter if you've got 11 plumbers, joiners or footballers, it's hard to break down. We did enough to finish the game off but didn't do it and nearly paid the penalty."