Manchester United scrambled a 1-0 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford last night to open a three-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Wayne Rooney's goal after 28 minutes proved just enough for the hosts.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was not impressed, and his side were nearly made to pay the ultimate price for their profligacy when Michael Carrick looked to have bundled Danny Murphy over in the penalty area a minute from time.

However, 27-year-old referee Michael Oliver waved away the penalty claims.

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Oliver would have been a brave man if he had given the spot-kick.

He said: "I thought it was a difficult decision. I think if he had given the penalty he would have had to send Michael Carrick off.

"I think everyone in the stadium expected a penalty, to be honest.

"You have to be brave to give a penalty away at Man Utd."

Jol was pleased with the way his team stuck to their task.

"I thought in spells we did ever so well. In the second half we stuck to our plan. In the end we could have had a draw."

Ferguson believed the referee might have had his own side's claim for a penalty also on his mind.

Oliver turned that appeal down, although the Scot admitted Carrick had fouled Murphy.

"I think they had a claim (for a penalty), no doubt. We had a claim for a penalty in the first half when there was a clear handball. Maybe the referee was thinking about that."

United defender Jonny Evans also admitted Oliver could have given the spot-kick.

The Irishman said: "You have a quick look to the referee, but he's waved it away.

"Having seen it back again you accept he could have given it."