Sir Alex: Now watch us go

The Reds may have started the season slowly but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists top form is just around the corner.

United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday leaves the Reds with just five points after four games. But there’s no need to panic, according to the manager.

“We’ve had a tough start,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports. “We’ve had to go away to Anfield – and we threw that game away in terms of the goals we conceded – and now we’ve had to come to Stamford Bridge.

“We’ve also been away to Portsmouth, which is a fixture a lot of teams will find difficult, just as we have down the years. So it’s been tough.

“It’s difficult to say where this 1-1 result places us but what I do know is that come October we’ll be fine.

“The players will have plenty of minutes on the clock, the level of our game will go up, Ronaldo and Berbatov will have games behind them... you’ll see us at our best then.”

The manager was also quick to point out that although United linger in the bottom half of the Barclays Premier League, the Reds have played one less game than most of their opponents.

“The press worked themselves into a fever over the weekend about the possibility of Chelsea going nine points clear. Of course, you have to remember we have a game in hand, which is important.”
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Scolari blasts seven-card United

Luiz Felipe Scolari has told United to show more respect for referees after Mike Riley booked seven of their players during a stormy 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Patrice Evra were all booked for United, who will be given a mandatory fine of £25,000 by the FA. Tempers flared at the final whistle, with Ferdinand complaining to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson about the theatrics of Chelsea substitute Didier Drogba as they left the pitch and Ferguson himself furious with Riley. Referee Mike Riley brandished seven yellow cards to United players at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea manager Scolari said: "I’m not surprised there were so many bookings. The referee is there for that reason. If players don’t respect him then he will show yellow card or red cards. It is the same for everyone — Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United."
Neil Ashton, Daily Mail Read more...