SIR ALEX FERGUSON has challenged his Manchester United youngsters to step up and emulate the club’s greats now they have won their first piece of silverware.
Alex Ferguson has challenged his Manchester United youngsters to step up and emulate the greats
Ferguson has been aware of criticism of the quality of both his title winners and the Premier League this season but insists that the new crop, alongside the existing experience, can go on to silence the doubters.
“We have had some great teams at the club – the ’94 team, the team that won the Treble in 1999 – and it has been my privilege to manage them,” he said. “They have all lived up to expectations and won things. You have got to win things at this club. For some who have won their first trophy – Antonio Valencia, Darron Gibson, Chicharito, Chris Smalling – that gives them the impetus to move on and realise what Manchester United are all about.”
After
United had secured a record 19th league title at Blackburn, Ferguson
paid tribute to his team but, with typical focus on the next prize, was
quickly looking ahead to the Champions League final at Wembley on
Saturday week.
We have a good bit of experience in the team and we have good legs. There is a lot of speed in the team
Sir Alex Ferguson
“We don’t give in. That’s our
great quality,” said Ferguson. “We have a good bit of experience in the
team and we have good legs. There is a lot of speed in the team.
“I
know we are playing a very good team in Barcelona, without a doubt. A
terrific team. But would you back against us in a big way? I don’t
think you would. We are capable of doing really well.
“We are good at accepting challenges. It doesn’t matter where they come from. We have to stand up to the mark.”
Skipper Rio Ferdinand said: “You want to continue going on and winning trophies.
“This club will never sit and rest on its laurels, especially with the manager we have.”
Ryan
Giggs said: “It was tough as a United fan growing up in the Seventies
and Eighties and seeing Liverpool winning everything.
“They
are our biggest rivals and 20 years ago, when we were 11 behind, this
was never on the cards. But credit to the manager and the club. We have
gradually clawed the lead back and overtaken them.
“Getting into this position is a very special moment. We will try to push through and extend that lead.”
Having
already wrapped up the Spanish title and with one eye on the Champions
League final, Barcelona rested their stars for last night’s game with
Deportivo La Coruna.
Of their first-choice team, only goalkeeper Victor Valdes started.
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