Sir Alex Ferguson has settled the great Manchester United goal debate in favour of skipper Nemanja Vidic.
Confusion reigned in the home dressing room after United's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, with most United players believing Patrice Evra had notched his fifth of the season with a powerful header from Robin van Persie's free-kick.
But TV replays showed Evra's header struck Vidic on the head, slightly changing course and flying past Pepe Reina.
Evra is bound to want it. However, sensing an improved statistic, Ferguson believes Vidic should be credited with his first of the campaign.
"It is going to the Dubious Goals Panel," said Ferguson.
"It was a great header but I think it is good for us that Nemanja Vidic has become our 18th player to get a goal this year.
"I will give it to Vidic."
Evra is unlikely to take that blow to his pride without a fight.
However, of more concern to the Red Devils dressing room will have been securing three more precious points in their bid to secure a record 20th league championship.
They did not reach the final whistle without a few nervy moments for all the dominance they enjoyed after Robin van Persie netted for the 21st time this season.
Substitute Danny Sturridge pulled one back for the visitors and drove another shot into the side-netting as Liverpool scrapped for a point.
"That was as good a performance as we have had for quite a while," said Ferguson.
The negative was an injury to Ashley Young that prevented him from appearing after the break and could keep him out for quite a while.
Fortunately, Nani is closing in on full fitness after his hamstring injury, whilst Danny Welbeck claimed man-of-the-match honours after being handed a surprise start.
"Danny played really well," said Van Persie.
"He was good in the combinations and played a big part in the first goal.
"A couple of times when we got the ball after they made a mistake he got in and I got in a couple of times.
"He has been brilliant. He is still young and has been really good in training as well.
"He has been working his socks off.
"He is a very positive guy. He loves to play football and did really well."
what do you think?
Martin Massey
Diane bit different to the handball accept you got beat and should've been by more and the 12th man you bleeted about also swapped shirts.
Paul Gilbert
He wasn't offside - to be offside he had to be in front of Evra when Evra headed the ball
Steve Marshall
I've seen closer decisions off side, tbh no one could see it came off vidic's head until the replay from several angles, I'm a Liverpool fan and it hurts me to say utd deserve to be top of the league, I hate fergie but you have to admire him for the job he's done for you guys.
Paul Gilbert
Thanks your comment, makes a nice change for Utd or SAF not to be insulted or belittled, especially from a Liverpool fan. Liverpool were a great team in the 70's and 80's, United have been the best team for the last 20 years, but we had to wait 26 years to win the league
Diane Rogers
11:23am on 14/1/2013
Bet he didn't notice Vidic was offside.Liverpool pkayed better in second half.
Steve Marshall
12:16pm on 14/1/2013
Exactly what I was thinking Diane.
Roy Benham
12:33pm on 14/1/2013
Don't talk daft...... Vidic was on side when Van Persie kicked the ball, have a look, Downing was playing him on, was off side just before but got back before the ball was kicked
Diane Rogers
12:40pm on 14/1/2013
That's not what Graham Poll said.That's why fergie has said Vidic scored rubbing salt into the wound
Roy Benham
12:51pm on 14/1/2013
Look at the replays, I just have, he starts off side but he's back before the ball is touched, unless of course people are saying he was off side after Evra headed it.........
Steve Marshall
1:10pm on 14/1/2013
You hit the nail on the head Roy, he was off side after evra's header, sorry guys off side is off side.
Roy Benham
2:36pm on 14/1/2013
Well I was wrong then, I appologise
Steve Marshall
3:00pm on 14/1/2013
That's why I love the game, if we all had the same opinion it would be soooooo boring.
Roy Benham
4:44pm on 14/1/2013
Your right there steve lol, to be honest I thought you meant when the free kick was taken, had to really look to see the off side to be fair