Source: Team_Talk
Fergie queries Hargreaves view
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United's "brilliant" medical team after Owen Hargreaves hit out at the treatment he received from them.[LNB] Former United midfielder Hargreaves, who made an outstanding goalscoring debut for rivals Manchester City on Wednesday night, claimed he felt like a "guinea pig" during four injury-plagued seasons at Old Trafford as he was given several injections which he believes actually hindered his recovery from a tendinitis problem that first surfaced during his time at Bayern Munich.[LNB]United are considering a formal response, which is expected to be released later on Friday.[LNB]But Ferguson is adamant any criticism of his back-room team is completely without foundation.[LNB]"We are trying to analyse all the stuff he has said and there will be a statement later to address that," Ferguson said.[LNB]"As far as I am concerned, my medical staff is one of the main reasons why we have been so successful over the last few years.[LNB]"Do you think we would be successful if they were not 100% 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]Hargreaves underwent surgery on both knees during the 2008-09 season.[LNB]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.[LNB]"After the injections, I tried to get back on my feet and they said my tendon was good, but it felt like I was 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 come to a certain point where you need to make a decision.[LNB]"I wanted to play. Everyone wanted me to 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]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]"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]"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]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%, do not play him no matter how good he is. I have always stuck to that."
