Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool will never bury us again: Fergie's eager for his Rafa revenge
It is the fixture Sir Alex Ferguson still looks forward to more thanany other. Manchester United versus Liverpool at Old Trafford.[LNB]Last season Rafael Benitez's side somehow left Manchester with a 4-1win and they beat their great rivals at Anfield this season, too.[LNB] Fight for the right: Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez will lock horns again on Sunday[LNB]But as Ferguson homes in on a 19th title that would eclipseLiverpool's record of 18, the United manager now occupies the higherground. On Friday he offered his thoughts on Sunday's clash...[LNB]On Liverpool's struggles:It's different from maybe other times we've played Liverpool but stillvery important. I don't know what they are mired in. I think everyoneexpected Liverpool to be better but they are not and the challenge forthem, along with others, is to get that fourth spot, which is a leagueof its own now.[LNB]On sympathy for Benitez:The word sympathy is a bit strong. I mean, you can feel for any managerwho does not do well. Phil Brown was sacked during the week.[LNB]On Steven Gerrard escaping FA punishment for a clash with Michael Brown against Portsmouth:I didn't expect them to charge Gerrard simply because it's adysfunctional unit, the FA. I don't think they know what they aredoing. There is no consistency for a start. I never expect any. So I'mnot too bothered about it to be honest with you, they'll do what theywant down there. It's crazy at times.[LNB]On a possible solution:For years the League Managers' Association have been trying to getinvolved. They want an input. There are about 20 redundant managersaround who have had a good experience of the game. They could getinvolved. It costs the FA a fortune and what results are we getting? Iwonder if it's worth exploring the managers who don't have a job at themoment taking over that department. So we could have maybe a body offour sitting every Sunday assessing the TV issues of the weekend.[LNB]On Liverpool getting 'the breaks' with disciplinary issues this year:Yes, we know that. They do all right. They are lucky like that. Maybe one day we will get lucky.[LNB]On Nemanja Vidic being sent off in his past three games against Liverpool:The two at Anfield were definitely influenced by the crowd and theLiverpool players. I have looked at them again. I don't think it willaffect him this time. With Rio Ferdinandand Vidic coming back, you can see a much greater presence at the back now.[LNB]Unforgettable: Fernando Torres celebrates after stunning Old Trafford into silence last season[LNB]On last season's 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford:Well it was a one-off, it won't happen again, I can assure you.Absolutely no chance. It was an abnormal blip. We were well over it thenext week and went on to win the League.[LNB]On suggestions Liverpool over-achieved in coming second last season:Yes, I think that. I think they did very well. When they got that rungoing they showed form and consistency. That helps. But I thought itwas an exceptional season. I thought it would be difficult to achievethat again. That was just my opinion.[LNB]On Xabi Alonso's departure from Anfield being decisive:I am not sure about that. I am not sure. I think he is a good player, obviously.[LNB]On Benitez's suggestion that Fernando Torres' injury problems have been key:That's possible. I think he is right there. I think he is a top playerand when you don't have top players you don't get top results. But wehad a time this season when all our defenders were injured. We hadmidfielders playing in defence. What do you expect?You don't expect your best results when you haven't got your best players. That applies to every team, not just Liverpool.[LNB]On the form of United winger Nani:He has always been a talented boy, with great pace and great feet and great endurance and terrific training. He has all the parts and what maturity does is to bring it alltogether. We are definitely seeing a great improvement in his form inrecent weeks. He is starting to mature.[LNB]On the Owen Hargreaves for England debate:I think WE deserve some service, right? He needs to get his service in. I think we deserve someservice, Christ! Talking about World Cups - there is nothing wrong withtalking about it. But he should be concentrating on United, exactlyright. And he will do that.[LNB] Fergie lays into 'crazy' FA discipline system as Stevie is clear to face UnitedMartin Keown on the big duel at Old Trafford: Why Vidic must take the high ground against TorresLiverpool's big-game Kuyt out to hammer Manchester United's Premier League title tiltPepe Reina is flying the flag for loyalty after signing new contract at LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED FC
