Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to totally write off his team’s chances of retaining their Premiership title. Ferguson’s men are currently lying in ninth place 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, but although he had previously given up hope of winning the title, Ferguson has since said that his team have still got a slim chance.
“If we can spark into life then we’ve got a chance – a slim chance. We need Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool to start cutting each other’s throats,” said Ferguson. The United manager went on to sound a warning about a backlash from fans if his players continue to struggle. “We have had a horrendous season in the league. If we can get the fighting spirit back, get the team spirit right and keep it solid, the supporters will acknowledge that the players are trying their best. If they don’t reach that level, then there will be questions about their ability and how good they really are. They have built up great reputations, but the club has a history of producing players who are not just great players, but who are also great fighters. We need to rediscover that.”
Meanwhile, Roma’s Fabio Capello and Celtic coach Martin O’Neill have been installed as 11-8 joint favourites to succeed Ferguson as manager of Manchester United. England’s Sven Goran Eriksson had been the 6-4 favourite for the Old Trafford hotseat but the Swede has since ruled himself out of the running. Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season.
Filed by Tom Grealis
