Ferguson says fighting spirit can help United retain title
Turfed out of the Champions League by a Basle side that conceded seven to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, beaten 6-1 at home by Manchester City and on the brink of a second early European exit in Bilbao tonight, in isolation those moments point towards a disastrous campaign.
Yet United’s current status is that of leaders and favourites to retain their domestic title, even though skipper Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher have been absent since December and injuries seem to have blighted them at every turn.
It is barely credible. But it has long been established United simply do not know when they are beaten. And this term could turn out to be the ultimate example.
“We have done really well to hang in there,” said Ferguson.
“That is more or less what we have done, no matter what the team has been.
“For instance, with (Phil) Jones and (Chris) Smalling not available that’s a door slamming in the face again.
“But we keep carrying on and it does point to a resilience in the team that is really admirable.
“They have done exceptionally well. It’s an achievement in the sense of they’re still banging in there in the league.
“Yes, there was the disappointment in the Champions League but we still can win this game and I think the players believe that.”
United trail Bilbao 3-2 from the first leg.
Unlike Jones, who has stayed back in Manchester after being laid low by a flu virus, Smalling has travelled to the Basque region of Spain but will not be risked from the start after reopening a nasty head wound in last week’s first-leg defeat.
Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa is set to recall Ander Herrera, Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente, who were rested during the defeat to Osasuna last Sunday, along with defender Fernando Amorebieta following a suspension.
Ferguson admits United have a tough job tonight to go through, after losing the first leg at home 3-2.
“It’s a difficult tie for us,” said Ferguson.
“Bilbao have a tremendous advantage now, so it’s a challenge — but not one that is beyond us.”
Meanwhile Ferguson has confirmed United’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov is set to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
The £30.75 million (€37m) forward has found first-team places difficult to come by since being left out of the United squad for last season’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
Ferguson confirmed yesterday the Bulgarian is set to leave in the summer.
“His concern is not getting first-team football,” said Ferguson.
“At 31, he is looking at first-team football. “It is difficult for me to guarantee that.
Ferguson also confirmed Brazilian midfielder Anderson will be out of action for a further four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.
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