Fergie: We want to win every game
Published 17:06 14/04/12 By Derick Allsop
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits his players are hurting after their rampage through the Premier League was halted by relegation-threatened Wigan.
That 1-0 defeat, plus Manchester City’s romp over Norwich yesterday, has reduced United’s lead over their cross-town rivals to two points and served to put pressure on Ferguson’s team ahead of Aston Villa’s visit.
But Ferguson is convinced they will produce the kind of response that has struck fear in the English game for two decades.
He is demanding a retaliation to not only savage Villa, but also remind Roberto Mancini’s City that they are still the biggest cat in this jungle. The Scot said: “I do expect a positive reaction.
“The players are hurt. They always want to win. That’s their mentality.
“That’s the attitude they’ve got – they always try to win. I hope they get it right against Villa.”
Ferguson has tried to ease the pain in his camp by stressing the danger Roberto Martinez’s Wigan can pose for any side.
Fergie added: “I believe if we’d played any other team than Wigan we’d have been all right because it’s unusual for teams to keep so much possession against us. That’s why we found it difficult.
“They’ll beat Arsenal on Monday. If they get a goal, they’ll beat them. They’ve got a lot of good players and if they had a regular scorer they’d be easily mid-table.
“You have to give Roberto Martinez credit for persevering and playing the game the way he believes it should be played.”
But United pride themselves on their bounce-back-ability and Fergie has warned his players they must prove their resilience yet again.
Three of United’s remaining fixtures are at home, but their next away match is against City on Monday, April 30 and they finish the campaign with a potential perilous assignment at Sunderland.
Ferguson added: “I never think it’s over. We’ve still got difficult away games. At home we’re one of the better form teams, but we know it’s a hard job. That’s what this league is all about. But I don’t have concerns about the temperament of our team. There’s enough experience there.”
Paul Scholes should return today to enhance that wealth of experience after taking a rest against Wigan, and Nani – a substitute at the DW Stadium –provides Ferguson with a menacing option in attack.
Fergie said: “Nani’s back and that’s important. He played 20 minutes the other night so he can play a part against Villa. He’s a good player. He always wants the ball.”
Dimitar Berbatov would doubtless relish just a touch of the ball after watching United from the sidelines for most of the winter.
The Bulgarian striker has become surplus to requirements and been told he can leave this summer.
But Ferguson maintains that he can still play a significant role in securing United’s 20th league title.
He said: “Dimitar will be involved in the next few games.”
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