Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to improve his relationship with Liverpool
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to improve his relationship with Liverpool, following the departure of Rafael Benitez. Ferguson’s long time friend Roy Hodgson is now the in-charge of the operation - becoming the 7th
Reds manager during Ferguson’s 25 year campaign with the Red Devils.
Although both clubs share an intense rivalry owing to their region, yet Ferguson has always enjoyed a more cordial relationship with Liverpool manager’s over the years. With Benitez, however, that was not the case. The Inter Milan manager increasingly blamed
Ferguson’s “mind games” and influence on the premier league, claiming that the Red Devils manager was always shown leniency as compared to other bosses. Fergie issued one direct attack towards Rafa when he said,
"I have never been personal. You have to examine him, not me," "I have always enjoyed a good relationship with Liverpool managers. Both clubs have always addressed the situation properly after the games."That changed under the last regime. It is not a big
issue for me," claimed the 69-year-old Manchester United boss. Ferguson has however a huge amount of respect for Hodgson since 1987, when they both met in a trip to Sweden. The manager claimed that he has known Hodgson for a long time now and both of them
first met in the then European tie against Ajax. Both the managers then had dinner following the clash. The manager claimed that Hodgson has had vast experience all over Europe as he has managed teams in Italy, Switzerland and Finland, but his most notable
achievement was his success with Fulham.
In what was named as the most important fixture in United’s premier league calendar by Ferguson, Liverpool would be travelling to Old Trafford to face Arch Rivals Manchester United. United have faced some tough times for the past so many years in this fixture
with their 2-1 victory in March this year as their first in almost 3 years. United’s current skipper Nemanja Vidic was sent off in all these fixtures. Owing to this encounter, United rested 10 of their first team players against Glasgow Rangers in the Champions
League, while Hodgson also rested a number of important players, including Steven Gerrard and Fernando
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects nothing but the best from Liverpool and has expected that United would have to be on their toes in order to register the much needed win. Moreover, after much debate over the Captain’s armband in the Red Devils camp, Nemanja
Vidic was confirmed as the club captain, ahead of Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and returning player Rio Ferdinand. The decision has been reached owing to Vidic’s form and fitness, as he is available for selection for most of the fixtures, although Ferdinand was
given the responsibility in the Rangers match as Vidic was rested for the Sunday’s clash.
The manager explained that Nemanja was given the arm band as he is fit for most of the season. Handing the arm band to the Serbian would further bleak Ferdinand’s chances for the English arm band. Ferdinand has to withdraw from the World Cup owing to a thigh
injury and Steven Gerrard has acquired the coveted arm band. However, if Manchester United cannot depend on the fitness of the 31-year-old, then how can England?
Manchester United have already drawn 2 of their four fixtures thus far and would be looking to bounce back from their humiliating draw at Everton. Liverpool has had a troubled season so far as well and Hodgson would be looking to step things up with a win
over Manchester United.
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