Criticism stung United into action, claims happy Ferguson
The Red Devils set up a mouth-watering May 21 final meeting with Arsenal but, in the build-up, Gary Neville had spoken of his frustration at the former United players who had condemned the Carrow Road debacle. Ferguson believes the attacks formed the basis of a vastly-improved performance, which keeps United on target to successfully defend the trophy for the first time in their history.
“Last Saturday, quite rightly, the players were criticised,” said the long-serving Scot. “They let a lot of people down - including themselves - with a performance that was not acceptable. Players do not like criticism and maybe that had something to do with what happened today. We needed to remind everyone just what Man Utd is all about. I never had any doubt they would come back. The ability in the squad is fantastic, but you have to work in life. No-one knocks at your door and gives you money. You have to go out and earn it.”Van Nistelrooy has been one of the major players pinpointed for United’s recent below-par displays. In eight games since his return from an Achilles injury, the normally prolific Dutchman has barely looked like scoring, let alone actually managing it.
