Man Utd unlucky with injuries, says Ferguson

Manchester United play a European match outside the Champions League for the first time since 1995 on Thursday when they meet Ajax Amsterdam in the Europa League with manager Alex Ferguson convinced they are unlucky not to be challenging for the European Cup as usual.

United, who have reached the Champions League final three times in the past four seasons, failed to advance past the group stage this season after dropping vital points drawing and losing to Basel.

They now face Ajax in a round of 32 first leg game – their first at this level of European competition since they played a UEFA Cup tie against Rotor Volgograd of Russia in 1995-96 when they were beaten on away goals in the first round.

Since then they have had 16 successive seasons in the Champions League and were European champions in 1999 and 2008 as well as losing finalists in 2009 and last season.

Ferguson, talking ahead of their trip to Amsterdam, told FIFA.com that United’s early exit from the Champions League was a blip and as much down to bad luck as anything else.

“I feel we had the ability to go all the way to the final,” he said. “Luck wasn’t on our side, but I think we’ve got the ambition to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid, and I don’t feel we’re that far away from them. I’m sure we’ll show that soon.”

United, as ever, are in contention for the Premier League title again and after their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday, are just two points behind rivals Manchester City with 13 matches to play.

“We’ve had our ups and downs and we’ve been unlucky with injuries,” Ferguson added. “We’ve had a lot of them, which you don’t expect, and we’ve got people like Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher out for the whole season.

“You can replace your best players for a game or two, but you really notice the difference over a longer period, and that’s what’s happened to us.

“Even so, we’re fighting hard to win the premiership again and there’s a lot of merit in that. Obviously I’m optimistic about our chances.”

One man who has escaped injury this season, as he has largely done since first breaking into the side in 1991, is 38-year-old Ryan Giggs, who has made more appearances for United than anyone and will reach another milestone if he plays on Thursday.

It would be his 900th match for the club and he shows no signs of slowing down after announcing he is signing a new contract taking him till the end of next season.

Giggs has been on the United playing staff so long, he was around when they met Torpedo Moscow in the first round of the UEFA Cup in 1992-93, United losing on penalties after both legs ended goalless. Both he and Paul Scholes, also played against Volgograd 16 seasons ago.

Elite soccer today bears little resemblance now but Giggs says he is determined not to make the same mistake as team mate Scholes by retiring too early. Scholes is back in the team after coming out of retirement last month.

“When to retire is difficult. Do you quit too early or go that one too many games and let people see you on the slide? Retirement is just a decision that I have to take my time with because I feel different after each game,” Giggs told the Daily Telegraph.

“He (Scholes) was missing it and it’s no secret that me, Gary (Neville) and a few other people felt that he had finshed too early, but who were we to know?

“We wanted him to carry on but he’d made his decision quite early and it was probably too early, which I think he accepts now. Who knows? Maybe he’ll carry on next year.”

Giggs says his career was extended by the switch from playing on the left wing into the centre of midfield over the last few seasons.

“Moving in to central midfield has definitely helped me,” he said. “I had a taste of what it was like on the wing against Liverpool on Saturday and it’s just completely different because you are up and down all the time.”

Although United and Ajax, who have also dropped into the Europa League, are among the elite European clubs lifting the European Cup seven times between them, they have met only twice before.

Those meetings came in a UEFA Cup first round tie in 1975-76 which United won 2-1 on aggregate after Ajax had won 1-0 in Amsterdam with a Ruud Krol goal. United won 2-0 at Old Trafford with Lou Macari and Sammy McIlroy scoring.

Stick with it, Ferguson tells sit-in workers

By Edel O’Connell

Tuesday February 14 2012

Alex Ferguson clearly hasn’t forgotten his working class roots.

The Manchester United manager surprised the protesting Vita Cortex workers in Cork on the 60th day of their sit-in yesterday by calling them up to show his support.

Mr Ferguson, no stranger to protests himself, told the workers to “stick with it” and that he was “right behind them”.

The unexpected phone call was organised by Cork tailor Dave O’Connor, who was at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground yesterday measuring Mr Ferguson for a range of suits.

The tailor’s suits are popular with Irish and UK sports stars and TV personalities.

Mr O’Connor took the opportunity to tell the Manchester United manager of the plight of the Cork workers and asked if he would call them to lend his support.

Jim Power, a former lorry driver at the foam-packaging plant in Cork and an avid Manchester United fan, said he was “caught unawares” when he received a call from Mr O’Connor to say Mr Ferguson would be calling him in an hour to offer his support.

“I couldn’t believe I was going to be talking to Alex Ferguson,” he said.

Mr Ferguson, who started out as an apprentice toolmaker in the shipyards of Glasgow before becoming a trade union shop steward, famously led an unofficial walk-out over a pay dispute in 1961.

The soccer manager told Mr Power that he understood the circumstances of his plight after taking part in the apprentice strike.

“It was an incredible boost to talk with him. He spoke about his involvement in the apprentice boys’ strike and told us to ‘stick in there’, and that he had great respect for what we were doing,” he said.

“His last words were, ‘Keep up the good fight. I’m right behind you’,” he added.

In another recorded message for the workforce Mr Ferguson said: “Hello Vita Cortex workers. I just want to congratulate you on your stand for better conditions and pay, so stick with it and pass on all my congratulations and regards to your lads.”

The former workers at the foam-packaging plant, who are entering their third month occupying their former place of work in Cork city, have received enormous support since they began their sit-in.

They were promised ex gratia payments by the owners of Vita Cortex when the foam factory closed in December 2011.

The State stepped in to pay statutory entitlements but the company has claimed inability to pay a total of another €372,000.

The workers have vowed to remain in the disused factory until they receive the non-statutory payment of 0.9 of a week’s pay per year of service, which they say was agreed with the owner Jack Ronan.

Since they began their sit-in the workers have received messages of support from Noam Chomsky, former president Mary Robinson, comedian Des Bishop and Cork hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy — now they can add Alex Ferguson to the list.

← Terry ties could block Hiddink

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson becomes Accrington Stanley shareholder

Posted on February 13, 2012 by www.soccer - facebook.com

Sir Alex Ferguson Sir Alex Ferguson, boss of mighty Manchester United, has become Accrington Stanley’s 500th new shareholder. Stanley are looking to secure their financial future and expand club ownership by issuing shares, and Reds boss Fergie has lent his support. Stanley chief executive Rob Heys told his club’s official website: “Sir Alex’s gesture of support in becoming a shareholder is extremely gratifying.  “We are not only honoured by his decision, but truly touched by his support for an historic neighbour. Everyone at the club is looking forward to welcoming him to our next AGM, where he’ll receive one vote as an official shareholder”. Sir Alex said: “Everyone has heard of Accrington Stanley and I am so pleased to see a small community club flourishing during these times. “Long may they continue to be an active and healthy member of the Football League.”

Luis Suarez case: Ferguson says ‘no’ to peace talks

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says there is “no need” for peace talks ahead of his team’s home clash with Liverpool on 11 February

Liverpool want a board-level meeting with United to restore harmony following the Luis Suarez affair.

But Ferguson said: “I do not see why there is any need for it.”

The Old Trafford match is likely to be Suarez’s first away match after his eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The Uruguay striker faces severe treatment at Old Trafford and Liverpool want to reduce the offensive chants Suarez is likely to endure.

When questioned on reports that Liverpool would like peace talks at the club’s press conference on Friday, Ferguson said: “It is nice of them to do it through the press.

“You would have thought they would come to Manchester United first. I do not see why there is any need for it but I have nothing to say about it.”

Relations between the two clubs have been at a low ebb and, while accepting the punishment of Suarez, Liverpool were unhappy with the decision.

After Suarez issued an apology - though not to Evra – for any offence his use of the word “negro” may have caused, Liverpool want to build bridges with United but are continuing discussions with the FA over an investigation process they believe was flawed.

United have said little on the entire matter, other than questioning Liverpool’s public statements prior to the hearing.

Ferguson not panicking despite Newcastle rout

Sir Alex Ferguson insisted it’s not time to panic despite admitting Manchester United had handed the Premier League title initiative back to Manchester City.

A stunned Ferguson saw his side suffer a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, condemning them to back-to-back league losses for the first time in 10 months to remain in second, three points adrift of Roberto Mancini’s leaders, while holding the same advantage over Tottenham Hotspur, in third.

The Manchester rivals meet in the FA Cup this weekend, but Ferguson’s thoughts remain on his attempts to stretch City’s 44-year wait for the English top flight crown, and the Scot said: “Of course it is advantage City. We had our opportunity, they played last night and won, so it’s advantage to them.

“The one plus for me is we had two or three players back, and maybe that can make the difference. It’s not a time to panic, we have the patience and experience to cope.”

Ferguson insists his defending champions’ title know-how will help them in the long-run this season, and he added: “Losing a game down the years, you don’t want it to happen, but it does, and you see that with some of the results lately. But we’ll take the show on the road, particularly in March and April.”

Newcastle’s Ryan Taylor (L) and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra
Graham Stuart, AFP/Getty Images

Phil Jones’ embarrassing injury-time own goal completed United’s misery, after stunning goals in each half from Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye set Newcastle on the way to a first home win in two months to cement their hold on seventh place.

Wayne Rooney failed to shine on his return after a one-game suspension and hefty fine for flouting a club curfew over Christmas, as United were shut out for the first time this season.

Ferguson added: “We started reasonably well, and we had a good chance when Wayne was through and the ball ran under his foot. But then Newcastle scored a fantastic goal, and it really picked everyone up in the stadium.

“They got really aggressive against us and made it difficult. It was a marvellous volley and then the second goal just before half time was a killer. We didn’t make enough of our possession, it was one of those nights.

“Newcastle have very strong lads up front, they’re very aggressive and a real handful. But the story of the game was two fantastic strikes. There was no chance anybody would have saved them, they were two fantastic strikes.”

Newcastle lose 15-goal top scorer Ba and the equally influential midfielder Cheik Tiote to African Cup of Nations duty for the next month, and manager Alan Pardew admitted: “I’m not going to hide the fact that Demba and Cheik were our two outstanding players tonight, and we’re going to miss them while they’re away.

“In addition to his goal, Demba’s all-round display was outstanding, and it was as good a display as he’s produced since he’s been here.

“But you have to say what a way to sign off, and we look forward to welcoming them back in six or so games time. It’s a great result, we stayed on top of United, and didn’t let them play. We were due a win at home against one of the big Premier League sides, but now we’ve done that, we mustn’t get carried away.”

United to keep Berbatov, says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov will have his contract at the club extended.

Berbatov’s current deal expires at the end of the season and the Bulgarian had looked set to leave at the end of the season following a year spent mostly on the sidelines.

But Berbatov’s recent good form, including a hat-trick against Wigan, may have convinced his manager that he still has plenty to offer.

Ferguson told reporters: “We’ll be exercising it (the option to renew Berbatov’s contract). I think it kicks in in March.”

The manager also moved quickly to dismiss reports that Chris Smalling is suffering from glandular fever and could miss several months due to illness.

“I have seen the reports,” Sir Alex said. “They are well wide of the mark. He has tonsillitis.”

“He had glandular fever as a kid but that’s not the case here. He should be ready for the Newcastle game, at least definitely the Manchester City game in the FA Cup. He’ll be ready for those games.”

“We don’t have much changes. Obviously injuries to the defenders are quite a concern now, with Jonny Evans taken off at half-time (against Wigan).

“We’re hoping Phil Jones will be fit, there’s possibly an outside chance that Rio Ferdinand will get on the bench. Other than that, we’re the same.”

“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going. The form is good and the players are enjoying themselves too.”

United have suffered a defensive crisis recently with Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra paired at the back against Wigan on Boxing Day.

Fergie relief after Jones fears allayed

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson received a welcome boost on Friday after it was confirmed Phil Jones had not suffered a fractured cheekbone against Fulham.

England international Jones was forced to leave the field after 20 minutes of Wednesday’s 5-0 rout of the Cottagers following a heavy aerial collision.

Jones underwent a scan on Thursday and it had been feared the defender had suffered a broken cheekbone in the clash.

However after no serious damage was revealed Jones could now be fit to face Wigan at Old Trafford in Monday’s Boxing Day programme.

“Phil Jones should be okay for Monday,” Ferguson said. “We feared the worst but there is no break.”

However Ferguson revealed Ashley Young faced “a few weeks” on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Fulham. Defender Rio Ferdinand is also likely to miss Monday’s game after injuring a foot in training.

Ferguson meanhile declined to comment on the aftermath of the Luis Suarez affair following the Liverpool player’s eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

“I have nothing to say about that at all,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson hails ‘superb’ United

Sir Alex Ferguson was effusive in his praise of his team after Manchester United gave Fulham a 5-0 hiding at Craven Cottage.

United continued to keep pace with Manchester City as goals from Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ryan Giggs in the first half settled the game before Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov wrapped things up near the end with two late goals.

Rooney’s goal saw him become the youngest player to reach 300 Premier League appearances while Berbatov notched his 50th goal for the club.

“I think it was one of our best performances of the season, particularly in the first half when we played some superb football,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.

“It is not an easy place to come, we have known that for years now but tonight the players were on song and continued on from their good performance on Sunday against QPR.”

Ferguson stressed the importance of pushing for big wins in the chase for the league title.

“Yes, they do help. We showed good patience before we got the first goal, though,” he said.

“We kept the ball, passed it around and got the penetration so it was a good start to the game and we got control and kept it until half-time.”

The United boss also reserved special praise for the breathtaking goals scored by Rooney and Berbatov.

“It was a great strike from Wayne and another great one from Berbatov near the end,” he said.

“We had to make changes tonight, we had Antonio Valencia at right-back and Rio Ferdinand missing, so great credit to the players for standing up to those problems.”

Fulham manager Martin Jol was frank about Fulham’s mistakes in their execution after witnessing his side’s collapse against United.

“If you have eight attempts on goal like they did and score five of them, then it’s a horror scenario,” said Jol.

“They played around us on the flanks and we did not defend well. Nani scored a header which tells you all.”

“We let ourselves down. We improved and could have scored a few but it is not easy when you are 3-0 down.”

“They have a lot of quality but we were not aggressive enough. Conceding early is not good for your confidence. It was too easy for them.”

“We have to pick ourselves up because there are a lot of teams on the same amount of points.”

“We couldn’t get the ball to Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey, never mind Andy Johnson, and that was disappointing.”