Source: Daily_Mail
Owen Hargreaves: Manchester United defend medical staff after criticism
Manchester United have rejected Owen Hargreaves' claims he was incorrectly given injections to cure long-standing knee problems during his time at Old Trafford.[LNB]In the aftermath of Wednesday's Carling Cup win for Manchester City against Birmingham, when Hargreaves marked his Blues debut with a goal, the 30-year-old outlined the unhappiness over sections of the treatment he received to combat a tendinitis injury he had before leaving Bayern Munich in 2007.[LNB]Hargreaves said in the end, he felt like 'a guinea pig' such were the revolutionary treatments he was forced to undergo in an effort to solve a problem he felt had been exacerbated by the injections.[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson had earlier mounted a staunch defence of his medical staff. And now United have released a full statement, in which they dismiss Hargreaves' claims and state they remain 'comfortable' with the treatment the midfielder received.[LNB]My medical staff are brilliant! Fergie blasts back at Hargreaves 'guinea pig' claimsMy Manchester United agony: Hargreaves claims injections made knee injury worseHargreaves: It's so sad I didn't play a bigger role for United but this is a new chapter Bold move: Owen Hargreaves (right) joined Manchester United's heated rivals at Eastlands this summer[LNB]The statement said: 'Manchester United is disappointed with Owen's remarks after the game on Wednesday. [LNB]'The Club gave him the best possible care for three years and is as disappointed as anyone he was not able toplay a part in the team's success at that time. [LNB]'It has shared all the medical records with Manchester City and is comfortable with the actions taken by its medical staff at each step of his many attempts at rehabilitation.[LNB]'United does not acknowledge any validity in the comments Owen is alleged to have made.[LNB]'Manchester United has some of the best sports medical staff in world sport, who have made a significant contribution to United's on-pitch success in recent seasons.'[LNB] Happier times: Hargreaves and Ferguson enjoyed success together at United before injuries hit[LNB] Ferguson had been adamant any criticism of his back-room team is completely without foundation. [LNB]'As far as I am concerned my medical staff is one of the main reasons why we have been so successful over thelast few years,' he said. [LNB]'Doyou think we would be successful if they were not 100 per cent brilliant? Our doctor and his five physios are fantastic - that is my opinion and that is more important than what anyone else has to say about it.'[LNB]Pain game: Hargreaves' attempts at a comeback at Old Trafford ended in yet more injury agony[LNB] Hargreaves underwent surgery on both knees during the 2008-09 season. Following the operations, Hargreaves played just six minutes of first-team football as he battled to regain fitness and was eventually released by United in the summer. [LNB]The 30-year-old claimed the medical treatment he received at United did more harm than good. [LNB]'I received some injections but my tendon was never the same,' he said. 'After the injections, I tried to get back on my feet and they said my tendon was good, but it felt like Iwas made out of glass. [LNB]'With my tendon injury, I've had to be a guinea pig for a lot of these treatments. All the people there [at United] are lovely and everybody tries their best, but at times you cometo a certain point where you need to make a decision. [LNB]'I wanted to play. Everyone wanted meto play, so it's not really an option to say, "sit it out and rest for six months". With hindsight it's a lot easier, but I wish I had not had the injections.'[LNB]Back with a bang: The England midfielder scored a fine goal on his City debut earlier this week[LNB] Sharpshooter: Hargreaves scores against Birmingham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday[LNB] Amazingly, three weeks after signing for City in a shock move shortly before the transfer window closed, Hargreaves was fit enough to play almost an hour in the Blues' Carling Cup win over Birmingham on Wednesday. He even crowned the occasion with a goal, something he only managed twice during his entire time at Old Trafford.[LNB] City manager Roberto Mancini opted to tread a delicate path this morning, although he confirmed Hargreaves is now pain free.[LNB]'There are no problems, apart from a bit of tiredness,' Mancini said. 'He has been out for two years, which is a long period. He has worked hard for the last six months in Canada. And I hope it has solved all his problems. [LNB]'I don't think they (United) got it wrong. I just hope he will be lucky in the next two years. [LNB]Too soon? The former Bayern Munich star has already been tipped for an international return by Roberto Mancini[LNB] MANCHESTER UNITED STATEMENT Manchester United is disappointed with Owen's remarks after the game on Wednesday. [LNB]The Club gave him the best possible care for three years and is as disappointed as anyone he was not able to play a part in the team's success at that time. [LNB]It has shared all the medical records with Manchester City and is comfortable with the actions taken by its medical staff at each step of his many attempts at rehabilitation.[LNB]United does not acknowledge any validity in the comments Owen is alleged to have made.[LNB]Manchester United has some of the best sports medical staff in world sport, who have made a significant contribution to United's on-pitch success in recent seasons.[LNB]'After something like this, it can happen that after one or two games he might have a problem with his ankle or hamstring or something. [LNB]'But I remember him very well when he played for United and Bayern. He was an incredible midfielder. [LNB]'United paid ?17million for him and he is 30 years old. On top form he is one of the best midfielders in Europe.'[LNB] Hargreaves will not be considered for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Everton at the Etihad Stadium and is ineligible for Tuesday's Champions League trip to former club Bayern Munich. [LNB] [LNB]Asked about Hargreaves' comments, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: 'The doctor takes the responsibility to treat the players. If the players feel they have been badly treated they have to turn to the medical department - you do not want to interfere with that. I feel that everybody at a club should just not interfere with the next one. [LNB]'I never forced anybody to play. I have stopped many who wanted to play and didn't play them. Personally I do not feel concerned by that problem at all. My belief is that if a player is not 100 per cent, do not play him no matter how good he is. I have always stuck to that.' [LNB] My medical staff are brilliant! Fergie blasts back at Hargreaves 'guinea pig' claimsMy Manchester United agony: Hargreaves claims injections made knee injury worseHargreaves: It's so sad I didn't play a bigger role for United but this is a new chapterMatt Lawton: England won't call Owen Hargreaves yet but it's a great startAll the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester City FC news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
