With the score 0-0 after extra time, Manchester United triumphed 4-1 on penalties over Tottenham in the Carling Cup final. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his team had keeper Ben Foster to thank for the penalty shoot out drama.

Speaking to Sky Sports Ferguson said, "Well they took their penalties very confidently and Ben Foster made a fantastic first save which gave us a big lift."

Carlos Tevez, Vedran Corluka and Cristiano Ronaldo then all converted their kicks before David Bentley missed allowing Anderson to take the decisive spot kick.

The United chief added, "To be honest with you I could have done without the extra time, because we have a tough game on Wednesday (in the Premier League against Newcastle United) and I'll need to freshen up."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admitted he feared the worst when the match went to penalties.

"I thought we were terrific. It was a great performance. It comes down to a lottery in the end with penalties," he told Sky Sports.

"I've got to be honest, we weren't that confident with our penalty takers.

"You looked at United and they looked like they had some great, confident penalty takers. That's how it goes.

"But overall they couldn't beat us in 90 minutes plus extra-time. We fought them. I thought we didn't deserve to lose today. I thought we were better."

Meanwhile, Redknapp expects to be struggling for players in Wednesday's meeting with relegation rivals Middlesbrough following an arduous weekend outing.

"Injuries, fatigue, cramp, pulled muscles, all sorts. Middlesbrough must be sitting at home enjoying every minute of this."