Queiroz united with fans ahead of Cottagers clash

UNDER-FIRE Carlos Queiroz has hailed Manchester United fans as “the best in the world” and insisted he is committed to giving them the right balance between entertainment and results.

Alex Ferguson’s assistant has been attacked from all sides in recent weeks, with many supporters blaming him for the decision to abandon United’s traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Queiroz’s cause was hardly helped by reports he had branded Red Devils supporters who called for the reintroduction of the old system as “stupid.”

It has since been revealed by the newspaper who conducted the original interview that the Portuguese coach’s words had been badly misinterpreted, offering Queiroz the opportunity to hail the fans who backed off further public condemnation in Tuesday’s win over Benfica.

Queiroz is astute enough to know favour with the fans cannot be earned by words. Only on-field success can win over the paying public, and, as Ferguson found out when he moved south from Aberdeen in 1986, at Old Trafford winning has to be done with style.

But the former Real Madrid coach believes the subtle changes in formation throughout the Premiership are the result of the increasing globalisation of the domestic game.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Portsmouth are all feeling the impact of a continental influence, with many fans claiming it has lessened the entertainment value.

However, Queiroz is adamant the changes should not come at the expense of excitement.

“It is impossible things here won’t change. It is part of the globalisation of football. As managers, coaches and players our job is to please the fans by finding the right balance between results and entertainment.”

The defeat to Blackburn left United 10 points behind Chelsea just six matches into their season. Already Ferguson’s side know they will have to win their game in hand against Wigan and beat Jose Mourinho’s team twice just to get near them.

It makes victory at Fulham today essential, even though United will travel to Craven Cottage without six senior men. Gary Neville, Gabriel Heinze, Quinton Fortune and Roy Keane - whose claim this season will be his last at United sent shockwaves through the club - are among those missing.

The one piece of good news is the availability of Mikael Silvestre, who has recovered from a dead leg. Silvestre is virtually certain to be restored to his central defensive berth alongside Rio Ferdinand, leaving Ferguson the tricky dilemma of having to either drop John O’Shea, or switch the Irishman to one of the two full-back roles.

Queiroz is more concerned with the attack. He insists if United create a dozen decent chances, as they did in the defeat against Blackburn, victory will be achieved.