Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie fumes at Mikel tackle

10 May 2007 - 07:17:31

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Sir Alex Ferguson claimed John Obi Mikel should have been sent off and blamed the one-time Manchester United target for a spate of rash challenges in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Both Ferguson and Blues counterpart Jose Mourinho fielded weakened sides in Wednesday's feisty encounter which produced seven yellow cards - five of which were brandished in a 15-minute flurry at the start of the second half by referee Graham Poll.

Mikel caught United's Chris Eagles with a lunge late in the first period and Ferguson claimed the Nigeria international - who was substituted at half-time - should have been dismissed.

"It was a very competitive game which got a bit out of hand in the first half," said Ferguson.

"Mikel was lucky to be on the pitch because it was a bad tackle.

"It was a hard game to handle for the referee but it showed the level of competition between the two teams."

However, the United boss felt his side didn't deserve any more than the point they took away from Stamford Bridge.

"It was important for us not to get beaten because Chelsea have a very good home record," said Ferguson.

"I was pleased with our performance. Chelsea only started getting chances in the final 15 minutes when our young players started to die, which was understandable given the pace of the game."