Jermaine genius dumps out United

ALEX FERGUSON’S record of never having lost a third round FA Cup tie in 22 attempts, and of never having been beaten by a team from a lower division in the competition, was brought to an end in spectacular fashion by Jermaine Beckford and Leeds United at Old Trafford yesterday.

The forward, expected to move to Newcastle United in the current transfer window, scored the only goal of a pulsating tie in the 18th minute, ending Ferguson’s interest in the tournament for another season and casting serious doubts over the quality and depth of his squad.

Ferguson, contrary to his pre-match pronouncements, gambled disastrously on fielding a weakened team against Leeds. Perhaps that explains why the veteran manager, bizarrely, opted to try and blame referee Chris Foy – and the fact he “only” played five minutes added time at the end of the game – for the loss.