Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United, has defended Stoke City against criticism that they play an excessively aggressive and physical game. United takes on Stoke Tuesday night at Old Trafford.
Ferguson said that it is not fair to judge a team on opinion of an individual. The United boss was referring to the comments made by Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, against Stoke.
Sir Alex said that people often criticise the physical approach of their game, but Stoke stick to the only way they know how to play. He added that he has been a great admirer of Tony Pulis, the manager of Stoke City, and loves the fact that Pulis is not
at all bothered by what others say and sticks to his own plans. Ferguson said that if a manager is so strong mentally it gives the team motivation and galvanizes the team.
Arsene Wenger was upset about the tackle http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Aaron-Ramsey-c3065 in February which broke his leg. Wenger had also said that Pulis makes his team play a Rugby match rather than football. Back in 2008, Arsene Wenger went as far as to saying
that Stoke players are cowards and try to intimidate other teams to protect themselves.
Ferguson said that clearly Wenger has his own bones to pick with them, but Arsene can be a bit irrational at times and that is the way he is. The Scott added that every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and the manager who can make best use of whatever
he has at his disposal is a good manager. He went on to say that Tony Pulis is doing exactly that and he respects and admires him for that.
The Manchester United boss said that Wenger was also unhappy once after playing at Old Trafford. Ferguson said that when Arsenal lost at Old Trafford, Arsene criticised the pitch. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-c35440 Pulis said that he was looking for a change in fortune for his team,
and said that his team has put the last 2 defeats at Old Trafford out of their mind and are looking to set their record straight against the Red Devils.
Pulis said:
"We will go to Old Trafford and give it our best shot...We've run them close at our place but not at Old Trafford. We've struggled there. Hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves."
Manchester United, although on top of the table, are still struggling to play their best and are still looking to find their best form. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550, the captain of Manchester United, said that he was a bit surprised about the events of this season. The
center back said that despite dropping so many games away from home, they are still top of the table which is strange. He added that Chelsea started the season in a spectacular fashion but fell away in the last 2 months, which is also strange.
Vidic said that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 started the season and looked head and shoulders above everyone; he admitted that at one point, even the United camp were worried about catching up to the Blues. But the way they have dropped points in the last 2 months is quite surprising,
but maybe it also gives an indication about how competitive the league has become. Manchester United will take on Stoke City at Old Trafford Tuesday night and will look to extend their lead at top of the table.
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