Stoke City: Fergie takes a swipe at Pulis's team of 'giants'
SIR Alex Ferguson turned into a knight of the long knives by unleashing his rapier-like wit at Stoke's expense ahead of today's big game.
Fergie described Stoke as the jolly green giants with one swish of his cutting wit.
And then with a second he suggested Michael Owen would need a pair of ladders to fit in with his new team-mates after leaving Old Trafford in the summer.
"We've got the jolly green giants coming to play against us," said Ferguson.
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"The biggest team in Europe. You can get yourself in a tangle about that because they are a handful at set-piece plays and long throw-ins, but you can't make a terror for yourself.
"Michael is not allowed to play unless he brings ladders," quipped Ferguson.
"He is a fantastic player. But we had the opportunity to sign Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck were improving and developing as players, Wayne Rooney was there of course, and then with young strikers like (Federico) Macheda, Will Keane, Josh King and Bebe. It was difficult to hold on to Michael.
"But he's a brilliant professional and a top man. I was disappointed to let him go."
Fergie wasn't all smiles, however, as he also acknowledged the job Tony Pulis has done at Stoke during their four years in the top flight.
"Tony has done a fantastic job," said Ferguson. "I can see progress every year, right from the foundations of the club in terms of youth players breaking through into the first team.
"Continuity brings consistency and they are a formidable outfit now."
Ferguson has restored Ashley Young to his squad following his return from a two-month old knee injury.
"The opportunities are there for him," said Ferguson.
"Ashley has the opportunity to win things here. I don't think that's lost on him.
"I'm sure during the time he's been out he's been thinking about that.
"That's what players do when they've been out, they start thinking about what should have been and what can be for them."
Comments
by Pottedrengen
Saturday, October 20 2012, 6:09PM
“It's not altogether surprising that you post as as SCFC4EVA:
"i don't intend coming back on here and making comments."
then now you refer to that quote under your Peterpotter ID:
"As i said, this Man u game will be my only time i post on a consistent basis".
You havent fooled anyone before and youre not fooling anyone now. And all the while you carry on having conversations with yourself comforting Peterpotter as SCFC4EVA, Bah...”
by Pottedrengen
Saturday, October 20 2012, 6:00PM
“Ferguson had not done his homework if he still thinks Stoke is all about long throws and 6ft 6'ers. And it showed as United's whole team were taken by so much by surprise by Adam's low corner that they knocked it into their own goal. A pointer to Stoke too but one they neglected to take further advantage of.
On reflection Shawcross and Huth had also forgotten to do their homework, as they were caught out by United's strikers throughout the game. Shawcross in particular will be hoping that Hodgson wasnt watching (and he probably wasnt as he was in the White Hart Lane stands earlier); he looked lost for each of the four goals.”
by PeterPotter
Saturday, October 20 2012, 5:03PM
“10,9, 8, 7, 6,”
by PeterPotter
Saturday, October 20 2012, 5:00PM
“Who would have thought that poor defending, not inability to attack (in the 1st half at least)would be the undoing of what could have been a fine performance. All 4 of their goals came from crosses into the box, 2 from bad defending by Wilson, 1 from bad defending by Walters and 1 from bad defending from all concerned on Rooney's 2nd. Talk about glory hunters, this bar I watched the game was full of American ManU fans and me the only Stoke fan.
potterdgerernerneene i have to ask about your comment on the homework thing however. what homework wasn't done?
As i said, this Man u game will be my only time i post on a consistent basis. I will be monitoring the usual bile however.”
by SCFC4EVA
Saturday, October 20 2012, 3:58PM
“The enigma that is Stoke City. We come out and dominate a ManU team at their place, get a goal, granted an o.g. but who cares then actually don't sit back and keep up the pressure then serve them 2 simple goals, both contributed by a WIDE OPEN Van Persie. How does the most dangerous man on the pitch get wide open for both goals or at any other time for that matter. Jon Walters, playing at right back at the time (he has played left back, right and left wing so far) caught ball watching and on the first goal and leaves RVP wide open to put in a pin point cross to Rooney. Then on the 2nd goal Valencia spots a ball through Wilson's legs to a yet again, wide open van Persie!We should have been 2-0 up if the ever useless Walters had bothered to look up for just a second to aim his shot when he had nothing but net to shoot at and he shot it right at de Gea.
2nd half, do the same but put more pressure on their goal, so we don't keep getting called "resilient" like this ManU supporter sitting next to me keeps saying we are.”
by Pottedrengen
Saturday, October 20 2012, 2:56PM
“Someone clearly hasnt done his homework.”
by PeterPotter
Saturday, October 20 2012, 1:15PM
“Fergie, people always talk rubbish about teams they either fear or are wary of. You just wish you had a player as good Shawcross in your depleted back 4 these days.
Come on Ryan, head one in for us today!”
by Darren1810
Saturday, October 20 2012, 11:09AM
“Hear hear Fergie well said,, the new Wimbledon reborn”