From the Sunday Times:
Then there have been the doom-laden headlines. “We have our own views on things, our own ambitions,” Ferguson said. “We don’t need anyone to remind us what’s needed at this club. City might think this is a good time to meet us, but that would be a mistake: if you look at us over the years, we bounce back.” Ferguson is finding strength in adversity. He is philosophical about a season he calls “no worse than others we’ve had”.
Defiantly, some of the blame is laid at the door of Peter Kenyon, the former United chief executive who now runs Chelsea. “When we won the championship last season, I had to make decisions about the team,” Ferguson said. “But you don’t always get who you want. It was disappointing not to get Ronaldinho. There was a problem with his brother, who was his agent, but Peter Kenyon didn’t get the job done.
“Real Madrid are exactly the same as us, always on the search for the player who will make a difference, but they seem to be able to buy at a different level. I’m certain our boy, Cristiano Ronaldo, will become a player who makes a difference, but Real seem to be able to get them ready-made.”
In his own time of crisis, Ferguson found time to support Rangers’ Alex McLeish, who was criticised by another ex- Ferguson player, Henning Berg, before last Sunday’s Old Firm game. “I don’t understand it, but it’s not surprising,” Ferguson said. “With players, it’s always a one-way street. In an average week, I’ll have eight at my door looking for something. I always give them a seat beside my desk so they can see all the paperwork. While they’re talking, I’ll deal with some of it, take calls and let them see what being in this office involves.