Sir Alex Ferguson plaudits defence pair
Manchester united manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the impact of the defensive partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. He believes that the duo can get the season back on track. Both the centre backs were outstanding in keeping a solid back-line
in United’s 2-1 win against Stoke City in the premier league. The manager was extremely happy with the player’s performance.
English International Rio Ferdinand has suffered from a persistent knee and back problem for the past 2 seasons and it was only the third time this season that both Vidic and Ferdinand took the back-line for the Red Devils. This partnership was the major
reason behind United’s success in 07-09, where they won a hat-trick of Premier league titles along with a UEFA Champions league winner and runner-up medal respectively. It was a delight to watch them play their usual self against Stoke City yesterday, when
they defended scores of crosses, free-kicks and throw-ins. Young Mexican Javier Hernandez scored both goals in United’s narrow victory over Stoke and the manager was pleased to have the defensive duo back for selection.
Despite spending the last week convincing striker Wayne Rooney to extend his stay with the Manchester based club, Ferguson is well aware of the importance of a strong back-line and the performances of his first choice defenders was worthy of applause.
"It doesn't matter when you come here, it is always a difficult time. It is one of the hardest places to come in the league. They are such an enthusiastic and motivated team they make you play all the time,” stated the United manager. The manager added that
it would not be a surprise if both Vidic and Ferdinand would have sore heads owing to their flawless defence against Stoke.
Ferguson stated that a strong back line is important for any top side, as there are numerous set-pieces and throw-ins in every game. Ferguson pointed out that Stoke got ample free-kicks and throw-ins, which have to be dealt with properly which is exactly
what his back-line did.
"We did defend well and if we can defend like that for the rest of the season we will be back to a real solid determination to deal with all these things which will make some difference to us.", claimed the United manager.
However, one member of the Manchester United back four wasn’t sharp against the Potters and was substituted just at the start of the second half. Veteran right back Gary Neville lacked match sharpness and was lucky enough not to be shown red when he brought
down Mathew Etherington rather cheaply just before the break. Neville was already given a yellow card for an earlier challenge and was lucky not to be sent off by the referee.
However, it was bizarre how the former English International was brought off. Despite being on the pitch just at the start of the second half, he was replaced by Wes Brown rather humiliatingly but the manager explained this rather strange substitution.
"The referee told Gary Neville one more foul and he was off I understand. I just wanted to get Wes Brown a warm-up but when I got back to the dugout Wes said he was ready to go on. I was going to wait but I thought Gary should get some applause from the
fans - their fans," claimed the Scotsman.
But the home crowd was furious at the referee for not showing Neville the Red Card and Stoke manager Tony Pullis expressed dissatisfaction on the decision. The manager stated that had one of Stoke City’s player committed a similar foul at Old Trafford, he
would’ve been shown the Red Card. Pullis explained that they have been in the premier league for the past 85 premier league games and have gotten just 3 penalties. Pullis therefore explained that this is the corruption in English Football and things would
have been very different had it been the other way round.
But as the saying goes, “what happens in the match stays in the match”.
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