Future looks bleak as Fergie pleads for patience

ALEX FERGUSON has called on his team to be more patient as they attempt to drag themselves out of their crisis – but he might as well direct his advice to the fans too.

For if the evidence of the past eight days is anything to go by, it's going to be a long hard run to the end of the season for Manchester United.

In the build-up to the FA Cup sixth round tie against Fulham, Ferguson billed the forthcoming week as a "massive one" for his team.