Criticism of O’Neill astounds Fergie
Speculation over O’Neill’s future as Black Cats boss has rumbled on for most of the season as the club’s fortunes have nosedived.
Sunderland were in the Premier League’s bottom three until they beat fellow strugglers Reading, only their third victory of the entire campaign, and few expect them to record a first win over United at Old Trafford since 1968 when the sides meet today.
But Ferguson does not believe such struggles should lead to talk about O’Neill’s qualities. For the United boss, O’Neill’s CV speaks for itself.
“He was asked a question last week which was absolutely ridiculous, about whether he still had self-belief,” said Ferguson.
“Martin O’Neill has won three titles with Celtic, he’s taken them to a Uefa Cup final, he’s been at Aston Villa, he’s been at Leicester City. It was a silly question, an absolute insult because he is an outstanding manager.”
A Sunderland victory would provide a huge boost for O’Neill, although he insisted he is not worried about his future on Wearside following a poor run of results.
“I’m in the business of trying to win some football games and I think with my record in the game, I wouldn’t have survived for so long if I hadn’t managed to come through some sticky periods.’’
Ferguson was decidedly unimpressed with Sunderland supporters on the last day of last season.
Having beaten the Wearsiders, United looked as though they would be champions as they waited on the pitch, only for Sergio Aguero’s injury-time goal to snatch the title away for Manchester City.
Gloating from the home fans was immediate and Ferguson was visibly irritated at the time.
“It was a disappointing reaction when you think of the number of players we’ve given Sunderland over the years. It’s just fans. It wasn’t malicious, it was them enjoying the moment.
“Revenge won’t come into anything tomorrow. Winning the game is more important to us because after the impetus we got from last week, it’s time for us to really kick on.”
Ferguson admitted the manner in which that final day unfolded hurt badly though and he has no wish to experience it again.
United have certainly made a decent start, their win over City opening a handy lead on their title rivals.
However, after losing an eight-point advantage in their final six games last term, Ferguson is not taking United’s six-point lead for granted.
“I am happy with six points, it’s their challenge to try and catch us,” he said.
“But it’s not such a healthy lead. First of all we’ve got to get through this heavy Christmas programme.
“If we are still top of the league when we’ve navigated that we will be delighted.”
Ferguson has a major boost ahead of today’s game as skipper Nemanja Vidic is available for the first time in three months after a second knee operation.
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