We can’t keep any secrets from noisy neighbours — Alex
United entertain City at Old Trafford knowing victory would almost certainly end their neighbours’ lingering Premier League title hopes.
However, a second away win in four years would leave City trailing Ferguson’s side by just two points and knowing they face a hazardous run-in, which includes matches against Liverpool and Arsenal, and two games against Chelsea.
Little wonder few clues have been offered about team selection.
And even though Ferguson ruled Rio Ferdinand out for a further two weeks with the calf injury he suffered in the warm-up to last weekend’s defeat at Wolves, no-one would be too surprised if the England skipper started the game.
“I have a good idea of their team, they have a good idea of ours,” said Ferguson.
“There are no secrets today. Absolutely none. The video analysis gives you new detail in terms of preparation for games.
“When we come to analyse our opponents, we have a fair idea of who will play, and it is the same for them.”
Although there is huge anticipation within the city itself about a game that is getting more significant by the year, Ferguson has opted not to fan any flames.
He is wary of hitting the headlines in the manner he did before the previous game between the two sides in November, when he took exception to the manner in which comments about City were reported, and promptly ceased speaking to the media for five weeks.
Yet the hype this time around does not appear to contain the same fire, possibly due to the international fixtures in midweek, which have acted as a magnet for attention.
“Maybe the internationals have not been a bad thing,” he said.
“It has taken away a bit of focus from the game.
“As far as the clubs are concerned, it doesn’t really matter how much hype there is. We have to perform on the pitch.”
The loss of Ferdinand would be keenly felt as it robs Ferguson of his first-choice central defensive partnership.
As the “knock” which forced Chris Smalling to withdraw from England Under 21 duty has not proved serious enough to rule him out, Ferguson has a ready-made alternative.
It would be Smalling’s 15th appearance since a summer move from Fulham for a £7million fee that is already looking like exceptional value for money.
“Our scouting department did a great job in identifying Chris,” said Ferguson of a player who was only at Craven Cottage for two years.
“Fortunately we got him at a good age, where he can develop at our club.
“He has been outstanding since he came to the club. He lacks that big game experience but in terms of the experience he has had, he has used it well and has done well.”
One United player who has not been so quickly accepted, however, is Michael Carrick.
But United legend Paddy Crerand yesterday told the Old Trafford boo boys to lay off their favourite target.
“I speak to a lot of fans and they always mention midfield,” said Crerand. “I don’t think midfield is a problem. I’m a big fan of Michael Carrick. He gets a lot of harsh treatment. It’s not fair. He’s a player who everyone has a go at, but he’s a top class player.
“Sometimes fans look at people like Roy Keane, Bryan Robson, Paul Scholes and Paul Ince and expect everyone to be like that.
“But players like that don’t come along every day.
“How do you find another Bryan Robson or Paul Scholes? It’s impossible.”
Despite the single not of discord, spirits at Old Trafford are high despite the loss of their 29-match unbeaten run at Molineux last weekend, which has allowed attention to drift back towards what was always the main goal.
“This unbeaten run was always hanging over us,” conceded Ferguson.
“The focus has changed from that to winning the league again. That is the name of the game.”
HE may be regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, but Barcelona and Spain kingpin Xavi has a hero of his own – Paul Scholes.
When asked about the Manchester United veteran in an interview in yesterday’s Guardian, Xavi raved: “Paul Scholes! A role model. For me – and I really mean this – he’s the best central midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15, 20 years.
“I’ve spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He’s spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he’s strong, he doesn’t lose the ball, vision. If he’d been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.”
But despite his obvious admiration for Scholes, English football in general still disappoints the man who made his Barcelona debut aged 18 in 1998.
“It’s a pity,” he said of England’s distrust of technical players. “Talent has to be the priority. Technical ability. Always, always. Sure, you can win without it but it’s talent that makes the difference.
“When you look at players and ask yourself ‘who’s the best talento?’. Cesc (Fabregas, (Samir) Nasri, Ryan Giggs – that guy is a joy, incredible. Looking back, I loved John Barnes and Chris Waddle was buenísimo. (Matt) Le Tissier!
“Although their style was different I liked Roy Keane and Paul Ince together, too. That United team was great – my English team. If I’d gone anywhere, it would have been there.”
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