Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to come out fighting at Liverpool after week of woe
When Sir Alex Ferguson steps out at Anfield tomorrow, a defiant glare will no doubt make its way towards Kenny Dalglish in the home dugout and carry on in the direction of the Kop beyond. [LNB]It is unlikely to come to a halt there. After the week he's had, the Ferguson brand of defiance tends to apply to all and sundry, rather than just those in his immediate way. We have been here before. [LNB]A setback, such as Tuesday's defeat at Chelsea, coupled with a burning sense of injustice, and the outcome seldom varies. It's suddenly Fergie against the world. [LNB] Laying down the law: Fergie's words have landed him in hot water[LNB]The siege mentality kicked in at Carrington yesterday, when the Manchester United manager, evidently still bristling over events at Stamford Bridge and his subsequent FA charge, battened down the hatches and stubbornly refused entry even to his club's in-house TV station. [LNB]They will be lapping it up at Anfield, revelling in his discomfort, but history suggests a note of caution might be advisable. On the rare occasions he has had to endure a similar dip in fortunes, Ferguson has used it to galvanise his side and turn them into a tighter unit than ever, before unleashing them on their next unsuspecting opponents. [LNB]There are few more dangerous beasts than a wounded Fergie, and he appeared to be doing his utmost once more yesterday to turn adversity to his advantage, ahead of the eagerly-awaited showdown with Liverpool. [LNB]As expected, he decided to take on the FA over his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson at Stamford Bridge, and Sportsmail understands it was at least partly based on a show of support from his players. [LNB] No defence: Sir Alex lambasted the ref at Stamford Bridge[LNB]An indignant Ferguson feels he is being victimised over the furore that followed Wayne Rooney's use of an elbow at Wigan last Saturday and that he is now facing a largely bogus charge for comments that were echoed by many onlookers on Tuesday night. [LNB]Significantly, several of his players have apparently backed him and let it be known they believe he was right to take Atkinson to task. [LNB]He could face anything up to a six-game ban if his FA battle fails, but he will not be swayed from a course he sees as right and proper. [LNB]He intends fighting it all the way, and the immediate consequence is that he will be free to cross swords with his old adversary Dalglish, as United bid to take another stride towards eclipsing Liverpool and winning their 19th title. [LNB]Playing the game: Dalglish knows the tactics Fergie employs[LNB]A different record may occupy his thoughts before that, though, with Phil Dowd taking charge and bringing with him the distinction of brandishing more red cards to Ferguson's players than any other referee. [LNB]If he is tempted to go to work on Dowd's psyche, with his penchant for mind games, he has been warned not to bother trying with Liverpool. [LNB]Speaking earlier this week, ahead of his 60th birthday, Dalglish said: 'He has used psychology before in the pre-amble to matches, but he will only get sparring practice if he tries to use it on ourselves. We've both been a long time out of short trousers. It will have to be a good one to catch us out.' [LNB]Fresh from finally agreeing a new four-year deal, Darren Fletcher has vowed to build on the legacy of veterans Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, players he hailed as 'inspirational.' [LNB]As he prepared once more to take on a key role at the heart of United's midfield, the 27-year-old Scotland captain said: 'Players like those three will never be replaced, because they are greats of the game. You look at players like them and realise there are people here who are an inspiration, with what they do on the pitch and the way they conduct themselves off it. [LNB]'If any of us go close to matching their careers we will count ourselves very fortunate. But I believe in the ability of the new wave coming through and hope we can create our own history.' [LNB]Meanwhile, Ecuador's FA have risked angering Ferguson after saying they will pick the injured Antonio Valencia for two friendlies this month - and may not even play him. [LNB]Valencia has missed six months with a broken ankle sustained against Rangers in September. Fe rguson hope s the 25-year-old will make his return to action this month and he has been pencilled in to play for the reserves against Blackpool on Wednesday. Jamie Carragher exclusive: What the Liverpool defender really thinks of Fergie, Neville and UnitedNasri: Arsenal will win the league, Manchester United are running scared of usUnited boss Ferguson to appeal FA charge over comments on ref Atkinson after Chelsea defeatAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Kenny Dalglish, Gary Neville, Antonio Valencia, Martin Atkinson Places: Liverpool, Ecuador, Scotland
