Premiership: Football can lift the nation - Fergie

Alex Ferguson has given his full backing to the decision to go ahead with this weekend's domestic fixtures.

Many felt that it is too soon to be playing football after the terrorist attacks in America.

But the Manchester United boss insists that sport is the ideal medium to help lift the gloom spread over the nation.

"Things have happened this week that have never happened in my lifetime. It leaves you feeling numb," Ferguson said.

"We have all felt what has happened. Everyone has been stunned by it. But the great thing about football is that it can lift people.

"It is good that we have football this weekend. People can be lifted and entertained - and I hope to that end we produce a good show in our match.

"It is said that as many as 500 Britons have died. Football, of course, will not help the pain of those people who have suffered but it can help those who have been shocked by the tragedy.

"It is good that we can do something. Football is a great common denominator worldwide, a sport people can relate to due to the huge numbers that play it.

"It brings people together."