Boss on Stoke

Stoke City may not be the most fashionable team in the Barclays Premier League, but Sir Alex has hailed their recent progress as “phenomenal”.

The Potters, famed for their direct and physical approach to the game, only won promotion to the top flight in 2008 and yet have never looked like relegation candidates. They’ve enjoyed 11th, 12th and 13th place finishes, reached last season’s FA Cup final and are now mixing it with some of Europe’s big boys in the Europa League.

“You can see the progress the team is making,” the boss said. “They’ve signed two or three players, they’re playing European football and they’re having a right go. They got through the League Cup tie the other night [against Tottenham] and every game they play they try to win. They have a great attitude in their team and their support is brilliant.

“I’ve never criticised it [Stoke’s style of play]. I think everyone plays to their strengths and that’s what they do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

Despite the manager’s praise, Stoke City are yet to beat United in the Premier League in six attempts. They have, however, had plenty of success against the other big sides.

“The change in the league now is that middle division teams are taking points off the top teams,” the boss said. “Stoke have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea [already this season]. They're making a big impact.

“They also travelled to Kiev and got a result [in the Europa League]. I see Stoke becoming quite an important side. The progress Stoke have made over the last few years is phenomenal