Ferguson's will to win relaxes fears in the north-east

Published on Friday 22 May 2009 22:27

SIR Alex Ferguson has urged worried north-east football fans not to fret about the Manchester United team he will turn out at Hull tomorrow.

With Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland all facing the prospect of relegation from the Premier League, they are placing their faith in Ferguson's team not to roll over at the KC Stadium to effectively allow Phil Brown's side to survive.

All three clubs have distanced themselves from speculation they might be tempted to launch a legal fight against United should their team be so weak it fails to provide Hull with any kind of resistance. However, just days before a Champions League final against Barcelona, they are acutely aware that Ferguson will rest many of his senior players to prevent any risk of injury.

Yet a weakened team should not necessarily translate into a weak one. Ferguson made numerous changes for the FA Cup semi-final against Everton last month and Manchester United were still unlucky to lose out on penalties.

And he has assured Gareth Southgate, Alan Shearer and Ricky Sbragia the side he chooses will be a determined one.

"We have a league that has the best integrity in the world and we will play our part in that," he said.

"No matter which team I play, it will represent Manchester United in the normal way. We are expected to win. We will go to win. That is the responsibility we always have."

Indeed, with Rio Ferdinand returning to training yesterday after a calf problem, United could have one current England international on duty, while Wes Brown's likely comeback from a long-term foot problem may well make it two.

So concerned is Ferguson about the way his club is being portrayed, he did contemplate ringing the respective managers to offer his reassurance, only to decide it probably was not worth it.

"No-one should be unduly worried about our intentions," he said.

"I was going to ring them, although eventually I dismissed that idea because they must know we will be doing our best. Ricky Sbragia worked here. He knows this club. He knows exactly what we will do. Gareth Southgate and Alan Shearer played against us many times. They know exactly what it is like against Manchester United."

Teenager Federico Macheda, who could get a title medal given his match-winning contributions against Aston Villa and Sunderland, and Daniel Welbeck are set to lead the United attack, with Darron Gibson in midfield, just as he was against Everton at Wembley.

"If I can trust them in a semi-final, why can't I trust them in the last game of the season when we have already won the league?" questioned Ferguson. "To play players who have represented us in other big games is just a natural thing for us."

For all his success over the years, Ferguson is acutely aware of the criticism that will come his way should Hull save themselves at United's expense.

"If we don't win on Sunday I will be slaughtered on Monday," he said.

"It will be the worst thing that has ever happened to the British game. People will be complaining about me damaging the integrity of our league. That's the thing about success and praise; you have to treat it for what it is."

Whatever headlines Ferguson's line-up may attract, his counterparts believe he has earned the right to field whichever starting IX he wishes tomorrow.

Perhaps understandably, his direct opponent tomorrow, Hull manager Brown, lead those calls as he insisted even a second-string United would be one he would fear.

"Sir Alex has had 22 years at one football club and he has earned the right to do whatever he wants to do on Sunday. He has got a massive game three days after this game," said Brown.

"I would do the same – if I had the option I would play players that won't be playing in the game on Wednesday.

"But if Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland have fears about what is coming out of Manchester United's changing room – I have as well."

Hull go into their final match just one point above the relegation zone and needing a victory to be sure of playing top-flight football for a second season. A draw would leave them needing Aston Villa to deny Newcastle victory while a defeat could even open the door for Middlesbrough – away to West Ham – to escape, dramatically, at their expense.

The situation remains precarious but to be out of the drop zone with one game remaining is a situation Brown would have taken at the start of the season. "That's a categoric yes," he said. "Come the start of the season, of course there were fears about whether we could hold our own. I think we proved everyone wrong. We have held our own and now it comes down to one game. Would I have taken that? Yes."

Newcastle manager Shearer was bracing himself for another huge weekend in charge of this home town club as he prepared for the trip to Villa Park. "It's bigger than a cup final, a hell of a lot bigger than a cup final," he said.

"I am trying to be as relaxed as possible. Obviously, I live in the city, I am aware of what it means, but also my players are aware of what it means as well.

"We have got one last throw of the dice and I am totally convinced we will get out of it, yes, and I think more importantly, so are my players."

Middlesbrough's Southgate is also refusing to throw in the towel until the final ball is kicked, although he acknowledges his side face the toughest task of the four remaining contenders if they are to escape the drop. He knows too that mistakes have been made, and with the benefit of hindsight, admits he would have done some things differently. "Yes, of course, because otherwise you would be an idiot," he said.

"But hindsight is the key word. You have to go through those processes to gain that experience and gain that knowledge. We will all do that, everybody at this football club."

Sunderland go into the final weekend of the season the most comfortable of the four clubs still in the relegation mix despite them facing Chelsea at home, but manager Sbragia is well aware they may not be able to rely upon others to help them.

Sbragia said: "I am confident we'll still stay in the Premier League– but we have got to go and do it.

We have got to be a bit braver and take the game to them. Anything can happen in football, and we hope we can come out with a win."

WHO'S FOR DROP?

Middlesbrough

The team facing the most daunting task this weekend. Their current tally of 32 points leaves them three points from safety – and their only hope of survival is if they win at West Ham and Newcastle lose, while turning around a worryingly inferior goal difference. Relegation looks imminent for Middlesbrough, who are entirely reliant on the results of clubs around them.

Newcastle United

When Alan Shearer returned to St James' he was hailed as the man who would save his beloved Newcastle from relegation – but time has almost run out. He has one last chance, although things are out of their hands. The Magpies need a win at Aston Villa to give themselves the best chance of escaping the drop, yet if they cannot pick up the three points, a draw could be enough – if Hull lose at home to Manchester United.

Sunderland

The third of the north-east clubs fighting for their lives. In arguably the best position with fate in their hands – although FA Cup finalists Chelsea are tough opponents. Ricky Sbragia's team are two points clear of the drop zone and will survive as long as both Newcastle and Hull do not win – but relying on other results is a risky game if Sunderland are to avoid a season which promised much turning into disaster following the departure of Roy Keane.

Hull City

After a surprisingly positive start to the season the Tigers now hover precariously above the relegation zone. At home to United, Hull must at least equal Newcastle's result to preserve their top-flight status. Their task may be helped by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson leaving out some of his big guns ahead of next week's Champions League final – and at least Hull's fate is in their own hands, even if their recent form is poor.

Betting

Middlesbrough are 1/80 to go down, Newcastle 8/15, Hull 6/4 and Sunderland 6/1 (Ladbrokes).