Ferguson defends his transfer policy

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his transfer policy.

Ferguson defended United’s decision not to spend heavily on ready-made stars, like Wesley Sneijder, in recent years.

“We decided to create a structure with young players, like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson, and we also knew we had some talented youngsters coming through the academy, like Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley,” he said.

“All we’ve had to do since then is build things around a few young players. With that as our strategy we’ve not had to spend huge amounts of money to stay competitive because we’ve already got the talent at home.”

Ferguson insists Man Utd "not far away from" Barcelona

 Sir Alex Ferguson insists they're not far off competing with European champions Barcelona.

Ferguson says United were beaten by an “unstoppable” Barcelona side at Wembley last May; the Catalan club also beat them in the final in Rome three years ago.

In an interview with FIFA.com, he added: “I don’t regret anything we did because they were the better side. The first two goals were entirely avoidable and maybe with a bit of luck we could have won the game, but when the other team’s that bit better than you, then there’s not much you can do about it.

“Barcelona are the best team in Europe, although Real Madrid are closing the gap on them. The lead they’ve got in the league shows that. For the moment Barca have still got that magical ability to play a game that’s beyond everyone else. When Messi, Xavi and Iniesta are on song, they’re just unstoppable.

“We had the ability to go all the way to the final. Luck wasn’t on our side, but we’ve got the ambition to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid, and I don’t feel we’re that far away from them. I’m sure we’ll show that soon.”

Ferguson: Give me England job!

 Sir Alex Ferguson has declared he'd love to take the England job - on April 1!

Fergie insisted he would like the England job — so he could sabotage the Three Lions.

The Scotsman said: "The FA have approached chief executive David Gill today to speak to me.

"So I said I would make the decision on April 1. It's a good idea — I could relegate them."

Ferguson: Suarez could've caused RIOT!

 Sir Alex Ferguson says the actions of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could've caused a RIOT!

Ferguson was stunned to see Liverpool's Suarez refuse to shake hands with Evra ahead of Saturday's encounter.

"I couldn’t believe it, I just could not believe it," he said. "Patrice and I had a chat this morning and he said: ‘I’m going to shake his hand. I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, I want to keep my dignity’, and he refuses!

"He (Suarez) is a disgrace to Liverpool football club – that player should not be allowed to play for Liverpool football club again. The history that club’s got, and he does that... in a situation like today he could have caused a riot."

Dalglish: Give England job to Fergie!

 Kenny Dalglish reckons Sir Alex Ferguson should take the England job!

"It doesn't really affect me, obviously the Scots boys are all right as they are settled with a manager doing a good job," said Dalglish, in reference to Scotland manager Craig Levein.

"England are on the look-out for another one and if you are looking for a manager I think you look for the one with the best record since the Premier League started of looking after English-British players and the success they have had.

"If I was in their position I'd be looking at the best one and if it's not available then start going down from there.

"Whether they want someone of their own nationality or the want the best it's up to them."

Dalglish said he was not referring to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, although "Harry would be fantastic".

When asked if he meant Ferguson Dalglish, with a smile, added "I never said that."

Ferguson explains snapping up Man City kid Veseli

 Sir Alex Ferguson has explained swooping for Frederic Veseli from Manchester City.

The deadline-day arrival from Eastlands is set to become a member of the United Reserves squad as he bids to impress the boss and earn an extended stay with the champions.

"It actually came about by chance that," Sir Alex told MUTV. "A member of our scouting department came and told us City had released this young lad from Switzerland and they'd watched him playing a couple of years back.

"There was nothing to be lost. We thought we'd take him until the end of the season and see how he does.

"Hopefully he does well."

Ferguson admits Man Utd targeted Arsenal fullbacks for victory

 Sir Alex Ferguson admits they targeted Arsenal's fullbacks for victory yesterday.

Johan Djourou was given such a torrid time out of position at right-back by Nani that he had to be substituted for 18-year-old Nico Yennaris at half-time.

The Gunners have struggled to fill the spaces left vacant by their injured full-backs in recent weeks and Ferguson admitted he was conscious that area could be exposed.

"That's been their problem for a few weeks, that is a disappointment for them without natural full-backs like Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs," Ferguson said.

"They are playing centre-backs there so it is difficult for them. But they had only conceded six goals at home until today so they have not done a lot wrong in the defensive part. We had to play well and for most of the game we did.

"It was an amazing amount of chances we had, it's always difficult coming to here and Arsenal are a top side.

"We're a bit disappointed that we only scored twice. The first half in particular was a golden period for us, we should have rammed home the advantage.

"Then in the first 15 minutes of the second half they had three great chances and missed them all, so we rode our luck there. But we hit on the counter attack and through the game we had great chances."

Ferguson tribute to icons Scholes, Neville

After victory at Arsenal, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson attended a Football Writers' Association tribute evening to honour Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

The pair, two of United's most decorated players, became the first dual recipients of the glamorous award given by the FWA.

Ferguson said of the pair: "They are phenomenal professionals who were dedicated to their jobs and that is why they lasted so long.

"For Manchester United to bring through two local boys who then spend 18 or 19 years with you is fantastic."

Despite both players enjoying long and successful careers with United, off the field Ferguson revealed they could not be more different.

"I think that Gary is a very forthright guy and speaks the truth and is prepared to say it and he has always been that way," he said.

"I think you see him on television now and he is fantastic because he is forthright and there are no side issues. There is no grey area with Gary, it is very black and white, whereas Paul doesn't say much but when he says something it is worth listening to."

Ferguson refuses to discuss Morrison situation

 Sir Alex Ferguson refuses to discuss Ravel Morrison's departure.

The Manchester Evening News says Ferguson has refused to discuss controversial 18-year-old Morrison, who hardly did himself any favours last week with his immediate response to the United manager's claim that he had turned down a contract offer.

Morrison has subsequently been the subject of various stories, and has himself played down links with Manchester City.

"I have nothing to say about that," he said.

"It is nothing to do with a game against Arsenal."

Ferguson: I considered buying Arsenal's Van Persie

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Arsenal beat him for Robin van Persie.

Ferguson revealed United watched Van Persie before he signed for Arsenal and developed into one of the world’s best strikers.

Ferguson said: “Van Persie played with the Feyenoord reserve team, way back, and we didn’t move for him.

“I think he was sent off that day – either sent off or he walked off, I can’t remember. But we sort of left it alone. The disciplinary issue didn’t put us off. I think Arsenal were maybe closer to the situation than we were at the time.”

If Ferguson’s recollection is shrouded by the mists of time, his assessment of the 28-year-old Dutchman is crystal clear.

“He’s turned out to be a fantastic player,” Ferguson said. “Top teams usually have a player who can make a difference and Van Persie can. You look at Messi at Barcelona, Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Silva at City and for many years, Drogba at Chelsea. It’s a fact.

“Van Persie’s form and his goal-scoring have been fantastic. We have to hope he’s not at his best against us.”

Ferguson tips Solskjaer for the top and realistic contender to replace him at Man United

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to replace him in the Old Trafford hot-seat when he finally retires.

The 70-year-old Scot is not expected to retire any time in the next three years and that could give Solskjaer the chance to build his name as a coach.

European heavyweights Pep Guardiola andJose Mourinho are among the favourites to replace Ferguson at United, but the current boss feels Solskjaer would be ideally suited.

And Ferguson says he is already a step ahead of other United greats such as Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane because he always knew he wanted to go into coaching once he retired.

Ferguson said: 'I think the problem for a lot of footballers today is that when they get to the end of their careers they decide they want to become coaches because they have nothing else in their mind that they think they can do.

'Whereas Ole always wanted to stay in the game, so from an early age he was preparing stay in the game as a coach or as a manager, as he is at the moment. So he has given himself a better chance than the rest.

'Ole was always one of the professionals that used to take down all the notes from the training sessions and games.'

Solskjaer was the United reserve team manager before leaving to return home to Norway and leading Molde to their first league title in his first season as a manager last year.

And Ferguson believes the 38-year-old has all the attributes to become a top boss.

'He has got an inner toughness, there’s no doubt about that,' added the United manager. 'He is a nice man with a lovely manner about him.

'If you go to a club in  Norway that have never won the league ever in their history and you win the league you have to have something about you to do that.

'He has brought in his own staff. He’s brought two coaches from United as part of his structure to the club so he knew where he was going. A useful thing to have in management is good decision making.

'It’s possibly one of the most important things and he has been decisive, so yes he has got a lot going for himself.'

Ferguson wins FIFA award

Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the FIFA presidential award.

The 70-year-old Scot was presented with the award by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

Blatter said: "Elite football is all about results and winning and there is no one better at it than him.

"His first major success came at Aberdeen in 1983 but what is absolutely extraordinary is that in a world in which coaches are expected to produce instant results or be changed, his longevity is a shining example of what can be achieved through stability, continuity, investment in development and especially in trust and confidence in the personality himself.

"He has earned a knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen for services to the game. This exceptional personality in football has been managing the same club for 25 years - can you imagine that today?"

Ferguson himself praised Manchester United for sharing his vision of the game.

He said: "It is an honour for me in the twilight of my life and very, very much appreciated.

"I have been a very, very lucky manager to have had so many good players who have shared my vision and passion, and that's what makes Manchester United such a special club.

"They retain the courage to play, the courage to try and win. You don't always win in football - sometimes you lose but we always try to win."

Ferguson: Difficult for Man Utd to prise Guardiola from Barcelona

 Sir Alex Ferguson has played talk of being succeeded by Pep Guardiola with a straight bat.

Asked whether Guardiola would be the perfect replacement at Old Trafford for when Ferguson does finally retire, the United boss questioned why he would want to leave Barcelona whom he described as an "extraordinary team".

Ferguson added: "Why would Pep want to leave Barcelona? If I was in his position I would firmly stay where I was.

"The Barcelona team at the moment is by far the best team. We have experienced three years of it and sometimes in football you have to hold your hand up and say 'they are better than us'.

"It's not a crime or a weakness, just a plain fact that the Barcelona team now, particularly with Lionel Messi in the side, are just an extraordinary team.

"I can't see anyone taking a trophy for them this year, Real Madrid are probably the nearest to them."

Ferguson: Young players can struggle with celebrity status

Sir Alex Ferguson questions if young players can handle the profile of being a Premier League star.

Ferguson fears players are unprepared for celebrity culture in its 21st century form.

"They are almost like film celebrities rather than football players," Ferguson told Yahoo. "You hope that by having long enough time with your players that they understand how fragile that celebrity status can be in terms of one minute you're a star and the next minute you're not.

"Dealing with success is a bit more difficult today for young people because of television and the headlines they can get, so you work with them to keep their feet on the ground. I say to them all of the time 'go back to your mother as the same person you were when you arrived'."

Ian Wright: Ferguson was right to drop Rooney

Arsenal legend Ian Wright can understand Sir Alex Ferguson dropping and fining star striker Wayne Rooney on the weekend.

Wright explained in his column for The Sun: "Not for the first time, at a crucial part of the season, the Manchester United manager has given a key player an almighty boot up the a**e.

"I reckon Wayne Rooney will now bounce back with at least a goal against Newcastle in the Premier League tomorrow night before scoring again to help knock Manchester City out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

"Despite not actually breaking a curfew, Fergie is clearly unhappy Rooney went out at night and then trained badly the next day.

"This episode involving three United players — Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson were also there — was clearly unacceptable for Fergie and true to form, he has acted swiftly.

"What the Old Trafford manager has done is send a clear message out to the team, particularly the younger lads, in terms of the standards that have to be met.

"We have seen many times before, most notably with Roy Keane and David Beckham, that Ferguson is afraid of absolutely no one.

"You could argue that in terms of the team, the decision to drop Rooney did not work as a depleted United still lost 3-2 at home to Blackburn.

"But I think for Rooney, it will make a difference and he will return more focused."

John Hartson: Man Utd move was close for me

Celtic legend John Hartson admits he wished  Sir Alex Ferguson had signed him.

Hartson revealed in the Scottish Sun: "He should have signed me when he had the chance.

"Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful playing career and have got plenty to be proud of.

"But Fergie wrote in his book that I was considered as a possible target back in the mid-90s.

"His assistant Brian Kidd was sent to watch me when I was on fire at West Ham.

"By all accounts he raved about me and urged the Old Trafford manager to get the deal done. But Fergie's line was that he just couldn't imagine John Hartson in a United shirt.

"I know a comment like that should sting a bit, but it honestly doesn't. I don't have any resentment or bitterness towards the man.

"We're talking about one of the game's legends here. A modern phenomenon. A genius."

Ferguson delays loan exit decisions

 Sir Alex Ferguson will delay making a decision on which players can leave on-loan this month.

The Sunday Mirror says clubs hoping to take Manchester United’s fringe players on loan must wait until the end of the transfer window for a decision from Ferguson.

Injuries have taken their toll on the champions, so moves for Federico Macheda, linked with Wigan, and Mame Biram Diouf are on hold.

Ferguson welcomes new England youth recruitment law changes

Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with England's new youth recruitment rules.

The Elite Player Performance Plan is due to be introduced next season which will allow top clubs to spread the net and recruit Under-16s nationwide rather than be restricted to the talent pool available within 90 minutes' drive .

"It’s bound to help," Ferguson stated. "The format with the Academy rules, about players you can sign within an hour and a half up to 14, they seem ridiculous when you think I can bring a boy over from Amsterdam, or from Ireland. It seems silly.

"We do all parts of the world. We saw the Da Silvas when they were 14. It seems crazy. I always think in terms of our own club in particular, and the energy we spent in terms of scouting all over the country, all over the world.

"We had a school of excellence in Durham that the FA forced us to close after protests from Newcastle and Sunderland. There are some players who are playing Premier Division football at this moment in time from that centre of excellence we had there.

"That was all stopped when the Academy came along and therefore you have to deal with local boys, really. It’s very difficult for a club like Manchester United to build teams of local boys all the time, so therefore we embarked on increasing our scouting in other countries.

"That’s how it is at the moment. I think the new guidelines will allow clubs to put their energy into scouting and coaching in their own country."

Man Utd in Guardiola contact about succeeding Fergie

Pep Guardiola is being discussed inside Manchester United as a successor for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson turns 70 today, but shows no signs of letting up.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho succeeding Sir Alex and one day repatriating Cristiano Ronaldo for a last hurrah is not unimaginable. And he has admitted if there is one footballer he would love to train it is Wayne Rooney.

But the Daily Express says at least one confidant close to Sir Alex would prefer Guardiola and had a quiet, private chat with the Barca manager about his general state of mind on that issue.

Guardiola must look appetising to United’s kingmakers for the dazzling brand of football his team plays and for the same intensity and hunger about winning which has epitomised Sir Alex from the first day he pulled on playing boots until today.

Guardiola has admitted to his “passion for the English teams”.

“They are honest, aggressive, and normally they don’t play for a draw,” he said.

“In the stadiums of England you breathe football in its pure, natural state. I still remember the first time I played at Old Trafford, it was unbelievable.”

Ferguson: My biggest challenge was to overcome Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson says he'll carry on for as long as he can.

Ferguson is about to turn 70 years of age, but has no thoughts of retiring.

"Age does not matter, I will coach for as long as my health allows," Ferguson told Italy's ExtraTime.

"My biggest challenge was to overcome Liverpool."