Fergie outburst a cover-up for Rooney absence

THAT’LL teach me to get all childishly excited about a cup tie, as I did in last week’s column: what a dreadful match, though credit must go to the travelling Reds who attempted to maintain the atmosphere despite the dire fare.

Thank goodness, once again, for the spud-faced nipper, whose 20 minutes of Scouse vim saved the day, amply rewarding the loyal fans who’d howled for him to come on.

Incidentally, atmosphere and fans’ behaviour prompted two outbursts from Fergie last week, one rather more regrettable than the other.