Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie defends goal actions

21 Jan 2008 - 09:07:12

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied making an offensive gesture towards Reading fans during the latter stages of Saturday's 2-0 victory at the Madejski Stadium.

The veteran Scot appeared to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo's late second goal by taunting the home fans seated around the United dug-out.

But Ferguson, whose side remained top of the Premier League table with the hard-fought win, claims he meant no offence with his actions.

"All I was doing was expressing my relief at winning what was one of our hardest games of the season," he said.

"Reading always make it tough for us. We ran so much that we clocked up more kilometres than we have in any game this season."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has defended the club's mid-season trip to the Middle East where they will take part in a money-spinning testimonial on Monday.

"The one thing I am sure about is that this trip won't do us any harm," he added.

"We're back on Thursday and that gives us three days to prepare for Tottenham (in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday)."