Ferguson looking ahead after defeat
Wednesday, 8 November 2006 09:15Alex Ferguson has pledged Manchester United's stunning Carling Cup exit at Southend will not trigger any knee-jerk reaction from inside the Red Devils camp.
Just 24 hours after he celebrated 20 years as United manager, Ferguson suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats of his entire time at the club.
The competition holders and Premiership leaders were unable to find any way back once lifelong Red Devils fan Freddy Eastwood had put the Championship basement boys in front with a magnificent first-half free-kick.
Shrimpers keeper Darryl Flahavan kept Southend's noses in front with a string of fine saves, including a hat-trick of stops to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, ensuring the Roots Hall faithful were able to celebrate a famous win.
'We need to look forward, not back,' said Ferguson.
'It was a disappointing night but there is no need for a knee-jerk reaction, no mass sackings and no suicides.'
