Ferguson fire burning brightly

09 October 2009 07:00
IT will hardly come as a surprise to Alan Wiley that the fires within Sir Alex Ferguson still burn as brightly as ever. The referee was on the receiving end of one of Ferguson's most withering attacks last weekend. The United manager's criticism - claiming Wiley wasn't physically fit enough to referee the 2-2 draw with Sunderland - has earned him widespread consternation and a potential FA charge. Ben Foster was also reportedly on the receiving end of Ferguson's ire following his latest gaffe in a forgettable start to the season for him personally. But as unpalatable as his comments were towards Wiley, in particular, it was evidence that, even at the age of 67, he remains as motivated today as the first time he walked into Old Trafford on November 6, 1986. Ferguson will mark his 23rd anniversary at United next month and is as hungry as ever to add to his unprecedented success. "When you manage this club there is an expectation every day," he said. "It keeps you on your toes. There is an easy motivation here. "There is the expectation of the club and the players you have to deal with. "There are some terrific players here. Then it becomes part of the process. It is easy to buy into. That makes it very easy to keep the motivation all the time." A third Champions League success to match Bob Paisley's achievement is a personal labour of love, while another Premier League title to move them clear of Liverpool is another target before he finally calls an end to his remarkable career. Ferguson future His retirement is an issue that becomes increasingly pertinent with each anniversary, but Ferguson remains tight-lipped about his future. That's hardly surprising given the debacle that followed his last planned retirement in 2002, when United slipped from three successive titles to third in what was supposed to be his final season. He has already said there will be no repeat of the long goodbye the next time he decides to call it a day, but with him turning 68 in January, United's hierarchy know that his departure will come sooner rather than later. For now Ferguson's focus remains concentrated on a record fourth successive title and while concerns remain about the long-term fitness of Rio Ferdinand, he has been heartened by the return of Edwin van der Sar this week after the Dutchman broke his hand in pre-season. Rafael da Silva is also close to a comeback, as is Owen Hargreaves, while Michael Owen's groin strain is expected to clear up in time for United's next Premier League match with Bolton. That would leave only summer signing Gabriel Obertan unavailable to Ferguson - and the United manager admits he will have to juggle his squad to keep everyone happy. "The problem you get with everyone being fit is picking the right team," he said. "So it is going to be a real headache. "Darron Gibson is an exceptional young player, but he is having to bide his time. But he will get opportunities as the season goes on. That is my only real concern at this moment. The form of the team is good. I just have to pick the right team. "It is obvious it is impossible for any player to play all the games. The only person who could possibly do it is your goalkeeper. The rest have to be changed. "You need players with the mentality to buy into it. They don't always like it, but they understand it. I don't like having to always change my team but it is a necessity. "Last season we had 66 games and I don't know how you can manage any other way."

Source: Manchester_EveningNews