Fergie defends rotation policy

01 May 2009 14:49
Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has never allowed player price tags to influence his team selection. The Manchester United boss leaves no room for egos inside the Old Trafford dressing room, making it clear to anyone who dares to question his authority precisely who is in charge. That approach to management has stood him in good stead down the years, with an enviable collection of winners' medals suggesting he knows best. For that reason Ferguson is reluctant to change, regardless of what others might think of his policies. The ongoing saga regarding Carlos Tevez's future at United has been put down to frustration at a lack of action, while record signing Dimitar Berbatov was left on the bench for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg against Arsenal. But any backlash which may result from certain players missing out in big games is lost on Ferguson. "Players react differently," said the United boss. "Some accept it, others find it hard. It depends on the nature of the personalities. But it doesn't deflect me from picking what I feel is the correct team. "You cannot think about how much a player costs when you are picking a team. "Once that player is signed it is not as if you can go to the tax man and ask for a rebate if he doesn't play. "Others might not agree with my choice and the recent FA Cup semi-final (which a young United side lost to Everton) was a case in point. "But I never allow anyone to cloud my judgement. I am very clear-minded about that." Ferguson had planned to rotate his side again on Saturday when United head to Middlesbrough, for a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1. His intention was to rest a few of those involved in the 1-0 win over Arsenal in midweek, but the Scot admits no-one within his squad is keen to stand down. "The funny thing is the players are quite buoyed up and want to play," said Ferguson. "Our performance on Wednesday helps, although I have to make sure there is the right kind of freshness so we get the balance in the team right."

Source: SKY_Sports