Statistics tell a sorry story for Ferguson

THE Old Trafford hairdryers were on full blast on Saturday. But when they were switched off, Alex Ferguson discovered his was not working properly.

Bryan Robson’s magnificent playing career will forever be linked to the Theatre of Dreams. It was there

Robson produced his finest performance, single-handedly beating Barcelona in 1984. It was there he lifted the Premiership trophy alongside Steve Bruce nine years later.

But, if West Brom beat Portsmouth next Sunday and other results then go their way, Robson’s display in the visiting dressing room at half-time on Saturday will eclipse anything Captain Marvel came up with during his 13 seasons as a United player.

A goal down, his team comprehensively outplayed and staring into the abyss, Robson, the man dismissed as tactically inept after his time at

Middlesbrough, reached into the Churchillian book of rousing speeches. The results were startling.

“I am not sure you could describe them as words of wisdom,” said Robson. “It was a bit more than that. For the first time since the turn of the year I was really unhappy and I let the players know. Our concentration was poor, our passing was awful. I told them we had absolutely no chance unless we improved significantly. To be fair, the lads responded. We got a few breaks and got a result.

“I accept our fate is still in the hands of others but fortunate days do happen sometimes and I am looking forward to next week. I would much prefer being in mid-table or up near the top to this but at least we have given ourselves a fighting chance. At Christmas everyone thought we were dead and buried.”

The positive tone to Robson’s words was notably absent when Ferguson offered his view. One goal from 27 shots is not a statistic to make anyone proud and the United boss made it clear he expects to see a few red faces in training as the Red Devils look to recover their poise by beating Chelsea tomorrow.

The problem for Ferguson is that he has been saying the same things virtually all season. United have now dropped points against West Brom, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Fulham and Blackburn.

“If you look at our record all season, it tells you a story,” moaned the Scot. “We have consistently given points away to teams near the bottom of the table and in all of those matches we have missed significant numbers of chances. It is just not good enough. I promise you it will not happen again next year, when I will think seriously about the teams I am going to play.” Ferguson’s harsh comments look certain to signal the end of Kleberson’s United career. The Brazilian World Cup winner has only made fleeting positive impressions since his arrival two seasons ago and he was responsible for the worst miss on Saturday, blazing over from 10 yards with the goal at his mercy.