Fergie’s trubute to Burton’s Cup heroes

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson paid tribute to non-league Burton Albion after they held his side to a goalless draw in the FA Cup and then admitted he was relieved to still be in the competition.

Ferguson was furious with his team’s insipid performance in a third round tie in which Conference side Burton were the better performers, and he may well face criticism for once again fielding a weakened side - just as he did against Exeter last year.

But despite seeing his decision to rest Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville backfire, he retained his composure to look on the bright side of a result that leaves United with a replay to play next week and plenty of food for thought.