Source: Daily_Mail
Sir Laex Ferguson says the FA are right to defend referees
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he agrees with the FA for being very strong in supporting referees and insisted that he is not paranoid about there being a vendetta against his team.[LNB]Ferguson was recently hit with a five-game touchline ban and fined ?30,000 after comments he made about Martin Atkinson in the aftermath of Man United's loss to Chelsea.[LNB]The FA verdict also triggered a suspended charge for criticising referee Alan Wiley back in 2009, but Ferguson believes he tries to offer fair comment on referees.[LNB] I'm not paranoid! Sir Alex Ferguson knows there isn't a vendetta against his team[LNB] He told ESPN Press Pass: 'In the last few games, we have had terrible decisions against us. You've just got to be careful that you don't have paranoia about it. [LNB]'Ability-wise, we're a good team. We played exceptionally well at Chelsea the last game, we were very, very unlucky. We didn't deserve to lose.'[LNB]'If you speak your mind, it's a problem in the game. (The FA) is very strong in supporting the referees. In a way, I totally agree with that but there has to be fair comment also. I think I try to do that.'[LNB]Ferguson defended his side's poor away form this season, declaring that the league being stronger than ever is the cause of his side dropping points on the road.[LNB] Tough run-in: Ferguson's side need to improve their away form[LNB] The Red Devils have won only four away games in the league all season, dropping 25 points along the way, and Ferguson knows that they must improve with four away trips on the horizon, starting with this Saturday's trip to face West Ham at Upton Park.[LNB]'Away from home we have been disappointing but then you have to say that, maybe, this league is getting tougher than we think and the top teams are not getting it as easy as they did in the past. [LNB]'I think it emphasises the strength of the league rather than the weakness of it.[LNB]'The run-in is always going to be difficult. It doesn't matter where we play, whether it is away from home or at home.'[LNB]Ferguson is in buoyant mood as the international break draws to a close and he was full of praise for his players given their recent injury crisis.[LNB]'We're in everything. We're in the semi-final of the FA Cup, we're in the quarter-finals of the Champions league and we're top of the league so, statistically, we're doing great. [LNB] 'Absolutely outstanding': Ferguson praised Chris Smalling[LNB] 'I would analyse it this way: I think we've done exceptionally well considering the injuries we have carried. We have had players out for long periods.[LNB]The Scot reserved special praise for young centre-back Chris Smalling.[LNB]'We've had long-term injuries to Rio Ferdinand, young Rafael has had injuries, Wes Brown, all the defenders have carried injuries right through the season[LNB]'The only one who has actually kept fit has been Chris Smalling, who has been available for every game and he has been absolutely outstanding, he's been absolutely brilliant.[LNB]Ahead of Saturday's game, Ferguson added: 'We expect a tough game at West Ham. Any team down the bottom doesn't want to go down because the only place you make money is in the Premier League. [LNB]'They have improved their form a little bit recently and, hopefully, we get the result we want.'[LNB] United legend Robson backs Sir Alex's claim that Wembley semi-finals will be 'chaos'Welbeck understands Ghana boo-boys but can't hide his debut delightDe Gea and Rodwell top Fergie's shopping list as Manchester United boss eyes three new faces in summer spreeAll the latest Man United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Martin Atkinson
