Fergie on watch as title dream at stake
The backdrop to this season’s fourth Manchester derby could hardly seem more gloomy for United.
Out of the Champions League and four points adrift of league leaders Chelsea with just four matches left, Ferguson might ordinarily have had a job raising spirits around Old Trafford.
But it is not just the sight of Wayne Rooney testing out the ankle injury that looks to have eased sufficiently for him to return, nor the presence of Owen Hargreaves in Ferguson’s squad for the first time since September 2008, nor even Paul Scholes signing a one-year contract extension, that has brought focus back to United minds.
It is the knowledge that City, the team they have laughed at for so long, are just five wins from joining them in the Champions League next season.
“In over 23 years at United it is the first time we have played City when they have a chance of actually achieving something,” said Ferguson.
“Whenever we have played City they have always said they will beat us, whether it is a chairman, director or somebody else. That is what a derby does. Supporters want to hear that.
“But this is a different game in terms of City’s position and you can be sure whatever happens it is going to be pivotal in terms of both clubs’ prospects for the season.”
The opportunity to join United in the Champions League is what City are scrapping for with Tottenham. Having such a major player competing for the same standard of player could create a problem for United, who, even without the debt incurred by the Glazer family, would simply not be able to match it. Yet Ferguson appears relaxed, insisting it is no different to the time when Roman Abramovich was dipping into his vast resources to turn Chelsea into league champions.
“We may need to tweak here and there but there is nothing intrinsically wrong with our structure,” he said. “It is important not to confuse ourselves with others who can buy as much as they want. We don’t need to worry about that. It was the same when Chelsea were buying. What we tried to do was make sure we looked at ourselves and where we could develop our team. It proved successful.”
Indeed, it was a purchase, Dimitar Berbatov, that ultimately triggered Carlos Tevez’s controversial exit. Tevez grew increasingly irritated at his lack of matches, eventually crossing to the blue half of Manchester, where he has been a staggering success.
The Argentina star has already made his presence felt this season, scoring in both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final. Ferguson has conceded Tevez has enjoyed a stellar campaign, even if he has no regrets about his exit.
“Tevez had a good first season with us,” said the Scot. “He didn’t feature as much in the second season but you cannot dispute the fact he has had a great goalscoring campaign. I have no regrets whatsoever. We tried to buy him. We didn’t match the money they wanted so he moved on.”
Ferguson expressed delight at the news that Scholes has signed on for another 12 months. “We are delighted. His form this year indicates his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever.”
Ferguson also believes Wayne Rooney’s nomination for the PFA young player of the year award is a timely reminder of what United’s star man could still achieve in the game.
“You forget how young he is,” Ferguson said. “I would be surprised if he didn’t win one of them at least. He may even win the two.”
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