Posted by Andy on October 21, 2000 at 20:31:50:
In Reply to: English clubs in Europe... posted by John on October 19, 2000 at 11:30:09:
I think you should have learned by now that Slur Alex Ferguson is just a moaning git.
When you watch him, you are drawn to the conclusion that he is a male version of Margaret Thatcher..
I shall watch with enjoyment when at last he falls from grace, the bribary money runs out and he becomes a sad, bitter figure, the same as Ole' Maggie and also Brian Clough..
When people look back on the likes of Shankley, Paisly and Busby, they remember them with respect and admiration for their works, deeds and fairness.
No-one not wearing one of the new Multicoloured United shirts from the last 3 weeks will remember Slur Alex as such, and quite right too.
: The latest outburst from Sir Alex Ferguson, complaining that the football authorities do not do enough to help Man Utd win in Europe is both wrong and, more likely than not, an attempt to disguise the fact that it is his own flaws, as well as those of the way the club is run, that prevent the World's wealthiest club from dominating Europe in the same way they dominate the English domestic league.
: It is not the fault of the FA that Man United have a relatively poor defensive record and leak goals at an alarming rate. The fault must lie with the tactics of all out attack in a 4-4-2 formation that sometimes leaves the side so lightweight at the back, opposition sides get gifted goals, and in the case of European competition, they get brutally exposed.(Real Madrid repeatedly caught the Nevilles totally out of position in last seasons encounter)
: It is not the fault of the FA that Man United has failed to attract the biggest names in World football to Old Trafford because of a tight pay structure that has only recently been amended to keep Roy Keane at the club (but only after concerns from shareholders).
: And it would also be fair to say that since the days of total English club domination of Europe in the late 1970's and early 1980's, the authorities have done an awful lot to help our clubs in Europe with a reduction in number of league games to 38 from 42, effective byes from the early stages of the League Cup and the removal of multi replayed cup games.
: Which ever way you look at the equation, the world's biggest club is not such a success in European competition because of it's own flaws, with a bit of fine tuning , could be resolved, maybe with tactical changes or more defensive approach.
: Thoughts please !!