DECISIONS, DECISIONS

On Monday, at the Etihad Stadium, there were only two dominant midfield players. Worryingly for the visitors, they were helping the home team. Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester united coach started the match with 5 against 4 in the midfield position, sacrificing Welbeck for the reliable and combative Park Ji-sung.

At last, the plan did not work; still Manchester United could not match the ability of Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure. Of course, United are some way better to other 18 teams in the Premier League. They would probably end with 89 points in the points table, but that huge total may not win then their 20th league.

Looking ahead, though, Sir Alex will be aware that his team would be stretched till he adds a dominant midfield player. United have talented players for that position. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick have proved themselves time and time again, while Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones are valuable assets.

For some time, Manchester United has lacked a real fearsome midfielder, they kind of player who can pull a team and come out as a defining influence. Sir Alex can certainly defend his plans as City averaged 3 goals in each home game before this game in which they only scored once from a set piece.

Sir Alex’s frustration was clearly visible. He accused the City coach of trying to influence match officials and went furious with Roberto Mancini during the game. Both the coaches had to be separated during the finger-jabbing face-off in the 76th minute in that highly explosive derby game at Eastlands.

FERGIE IS CONFIDENT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his confidence that his side will be able to maintain their nerve in the remaining few Premier league matches. Manchester United recently secured a three point advantage over City in the title race. United and City are the two teams playing for the title this season. Following the City’s draw with Stoke city during the weekend, Manchester United went out and won against Fulham on Monday night. This result helped them bring about a three-point advantage at the top of the table, although United still have a match to play at the Etihad stadium.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been in situations like this on numerous times, and he expressed his confidence at being able to maintain the focus over the remainder of the Premier league matches. Ferguson also said that as we get near the finale of the season, it is not about the squad strength, but more about the mental strength that matters in the title race. The Scot said that he believes that Manchester United have the mental strength in abundance, but is yet to witness the same with Manchester City. City have already shown weakness under pressure, and are yet to convince him in the title race.

“City have done exceptionally well all season to get to where they are at the moment. They have a chance. Like us, if they win all their games they will be champions, but it is much easier to say that than to actually do it. At this time of year some of the teams at the bottom of the league know they have to start winning games too, because if they don’t they will be relegated,” Ferguson said during the weekend. United have the much easier run-in of the two teams, with Blackburn Rovers up next.

GIGGS IS AMAZING

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that no one will be capable of matching the achievements of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs. The 38-year-old Welsh star will be making his 900th appearance for Manchester United shortly. Speaking at the extraordinary occasion, Sir Alex Ferguson said that there will simply be no other player capable of matching the records of Ryan Giggs. The Welsh midfielder retired from international football many years ago, but it is simply beyond belief to see a 38-year-old player still playing at the highest level of football. Ryan Giggs is also simply not an addition in the Manchester United squad, but one of the important members as well.

He was crucial in Manchester United winning the Premier league title last season, which was incidentally the record 19th title for Manchester United. Ryan Giggs is the only player to have scored in every season of the Premier league since the inception in 1992. Ryan Giggs is also regarded as the greatest player when it comes to having the most number of club titles. One of the areas where Ryan Giggs has been left wanting is in the international scenario, where Ryan Giggs has not won any major trophy with the Welsh national team.

“It is my personal view, and not everyone will agree with me because we all have our favourites, that even if you take away the longevity, being in the Premier League for as long as he has, achieving what he has; no other player will do it. Obviously Maldini was a magnificent player but there is a distinction,” Ferguson told reporters. Ryan Giggs will be making his 900th appearance for Manchester United should he feature in the match against Ajax. Manchester United will be taking on Ajax in the last 32 of the Europa league.

FERGIE WANTS TO CARRY ON

The retirement date for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been the source of discussion for many in recent years, but it seems that the Scotsman is keen to carry on for a number of years at Old Trafford.

He is currently thought the discussions with the head at Manchester United, the final details of his contract, which could be his last in management. The 70-year-old manager has been responsible for the two Champions League titles Manchester United have won in recent seasons, but he is keen on helping United win another final title before he retires.

So far, he has built many great sides during his 25 years at Old Trafford. However, the side that he will be building now is going to be the crucial one because it will help him realise the dream that made him take the job at Old Trafford. Winning the third Champions League title of his career will mean a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson and also the Manchester United fans because it would put him level with Bob Paisley of Liverpool. Despite winning numerous domestic titles with Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson still considers the Champions League title to be the ultimate glory.

“We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and, without question, winning a European Cup is important at this club. I think I’ve got three years at the club. As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best,” Sir Alex Ferguson said when asked about the date he will hand over the reign of Old Trafford to another manager. He will be offered around £ 6.5 million per year for signing the new contract with Manchester United.