Warnock changes his tune

Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock insists Manchester United should not face censure if they fielded a weakened side this weekend.

Warnock, now with Crystal Palace, appears to have reigned in his opinions of big clubs who rest players against relegation threatened teams after previously attacking Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for doing just that.

When questioned about the likelihood of United coming under scrutiny for fielding a weakened team at Hull on Sunday in preparation for the Champions League final, Warnock supported Ferguson's right to do so.

'It's just the luck of the draw. It's just how it happens, that's life,' he said.

'At the end of the day Newcastle still have to get a result at Villa and Sunderland have to get a result, possibly. They have to worry about themselves.

'It is disappointing when you do see they are not playing their top man but Alex is single-minded and I don't think for one minute he will be concerned, when he picks his team, what happened to Neil Warnock or what happens to Alan Shearer or Phil Brown,' he insisted.

'Manchester United's youngsters can always get a result against anybody on their day.'

Warnock's comments appear to represent a complete u-turn from the attacks on Benitez that came in the wake of Liverpool’s defeat against Fulham in the season that Sheffield United were relegated.

Much like United, Liverpool were focusing on the Champions League that season and fielded an inexperience team that were beaten at Craven Cottage.

In the wake of that game Warnock said: 'Integrity, doing what is right for the game, comes way down Rafa's list of priorities. Maybe Rafa gets a yearly hamper from Harrods for his team selections.

'It's part of a big club's mentality. They look after themselves and they don't bother about anyone else.

'I'm still very bitter about it and personally I hope Liverpool never win another trophy under Benitez. I like them as a club but I would be very pleased to see them win nothing.'