Custom Search
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Fergie: United kept me from going foreign
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong.
The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.
While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.
Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated.
His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.
'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager told www.leaguemanagers.com.
'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
'He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.
'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup.
'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.
'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about.
'Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.
'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'
Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.
With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.
He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition.
'It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves.
'We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.
'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.' Read more...
The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.
While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.
Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated.
His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.
'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager told www.leaguemanagers.com.
'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
'He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.
'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup.
'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.
'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about.
'Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.
'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'
Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.
With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.
He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition.
'It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves.
'We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.
'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.' Read more...
Park: We'll catch Arsenal
United may have thumped five goals past Newcastle last weekend but Ji-sung Park hopes the Reds won’t need to rely on goal difference come the end of the season.
Sir Alex’s men went into the most recent round of Barclays Premier League fixtures level with Arsenal in terms of goal difference (+36) but a five-goal haul at St James’ Park, coupled with the Gunners’ draw with Birmingham City, saw United gain a valuable advantage.
And while it puts United in pole position should the teams finish level on points, South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park is determined the title race doesn’t go down to the wire.
“After the weekend, the gap is only three points at the top of the table and that’s very important for us,” Park told MUTV.
“And remember we have to play Arsenal at Old Trafford in April, so that means we can potentially take another three points off them. Everybody in the squad is determined to get to the top of the league as quickly as possible and I’m sure it will happen.
“The league is close so it’s possible we’ll end the season on the same points as Arsenal. In that case, games like the one against Newcastle where we score four or five goals can certainly help us.
“I prefer not to think about that scenario though! We just want to win all our games and I’d rather finish comfortably ahead of Arsenal come the end of the season.”
Park says the desire to reel in the Gunners sooner rather than later is shared by everyone at the club, although he’s quick to point out the title isn’t necessarily a two-horse race.
“I think Chelsea can also challenge,” he said. “They have real quality in their squad and lots of hunger to win. But our confidence is high at the moment and we just want to hurry up and get back on top. Everybody believes we can go all the way.” Read more...
Sir Alex’s men went into the most recent round of Barclays Premier League fixtures level with Arsenal in terms of goal difference (+36) but a five-goal haul at St James’ Park, coupled with the Gunners’ draw with Birmingham City, saw United gain a valuable advantage.
And while it puts United in pole position should the teams finish level on points, South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park is determined the title race doesn’t go down to the wire.
“After the weekend, the gap is only three points at the top of the table and that’s very important for us,” Park told MUTV.
“And remember we have to play Arsenal at Old Trafford in April, so that means we can potentially take another three points off them. Everybody in the squad is determined to get to the top of the league as quickly as possible and I’m sure it will happen.
“The league is close so it’s possible we’ll end the season on the same points as Arsenal. In that case, games like the one against Newcastle where we score four or five goals can certainly help us.
“I prefer not to think about that scenario though! We just want to win all our games and I’d rather finish comfortably ahead of Arsenal come the end of the season.”
Park says the desire to reel in the Gunners sooner rather than later is shared by everyone at the club, although he’s quick to point out the title isn’t necessarily a two-horse race.
“I think Chelsea can also challenge,” he said. “They have real quality in their squad and lots of hunger to win. But our confidence is high at the moment and we just want to hurry up and get back on top. Everybody believes we can go all the way.” Read more...
Scholes still peerless
The performances of United newcomers Anderson and Nani indicate a prosperous future at Old Trafford. But old heads like Paul Scholes still have plenty to offer, according to former Reds midfielder Ray Wilkins.
Sir Alex's two young summer signings have turned in excellent performances of late, providing stiff competition for the likes of Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
"It's a first-class array of talent in that department," says Wilkins. "Only Chelsea can come anywhere near United's senior midfield in terms of quality and quantity.
"Can having too many players be confusing? Let's just say that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely gets it wrong. It's great for United."
The United boss will have a tough job selecting his central midfield pairing to face Fulham on Saturday. But, for Wilkins, there's one player that should be first pick every week.
"They all have their qualities and each combination has its merits. But I'd always have Paul Scholes in there," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"It's Paul and one from the other four for me, depending on the circumstances. If you want a holding player with him, then choose Michael Carrick at home and Owen Hargreaves away from Old Trafford."
Wilkins insists that 33-year-old Scholes remains one of the English game's top talents, and believes his influence will have a decisive impact on United's success this season.
"Paul is an absolute must," he says. "He is still one of the best in the country. He's still a very big influence for United and will continue to be so for some time.
"I know some fans and some critics are claiming he might be on his way out but I bet none of United's opponents are thinking that.
"Of course, Paul is getting on and he may have had a quiet period since his return, but he is going to have a major say for United for a long while yet." Read more...
Sir Alex's two young summer signings have turned in excellent performances of late, providing stiff competition for the likes of Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
"It's a first-class array of talent in that department," says Wilkins. "Only Chelsea can come anywhere near United's senior midfield in terms of quality and quantity.
"Can having too many players be confusing? Let's just say that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely gets it wrong. It's great for United."
The United boss will have a tough job selecting his central midfield pairing to face Fulham on Saturday. But, for Wilkins, there's one player that should be first pick every week.
"They all have their qualities and each combination has its merits. But I'd always have Paul Scholes in there," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"It's Paul and one from the other four for me, depending on the circumstances. If you want a holding player with him, then choose Michael Carrick at home and Owen Hargreaves away from Old Trafford."
Wilkins insists that 33-year-old Scholes remains one of the English game's top talents, and believes his influence will have a decisive impact on United's success this season.
"Paul is an absolute must," he says. "He is still one of the best in the country. He's still a very big influence for United and will continue to be so for some time.
"I know some fans and some critics are claiming he might be on his way out but I bet none of United's opponents are thinking that.
"Of course, Paul is getting on and he may have had a quiet period since his return, but he is going to have a major say for United for a long while yet." Read more...
Boss admits Benzema interest
Sir Alex Ferguson was last night accused of trying to unsettle Lyon striker Karim Benzema by admitting he is keen to sign him for £30million. Fergie confirmed his interest in Benzema ahead of Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Lyon, a tactic the French club's president claimed was deliberately designed to unsettled the 20-year-old. Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulus, who hosted Fergie three weeks ago when the United boss went to watch the French champions ahead of their European meeting, turned on the Scot. Aulus said: "When Lyon, during the season, are interested in a player from another French club, everybody cries 'scandal'. But when, a few days before playing Manchester United, I read here and there that Ferguson is going to make an offer for Benzema, is that not destabilisation?" Despite United's interest, Benzema is under contract until 2012 and has claimed he wants to stay at Lyon for at least one more full season, although his club would be unable to turn down a £30m bid.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
