FERGIE TO BREAK THE BAD NEWS LIKE A MAN

Last updated : 20 May 2004 By editor
"Telling players they are not involved is without doubt the worst part of cup final week," said Ferguson.

"There is no easy way to do it but I always make sure I tell them in private beforehand. I don't just read the team out, or pin it on a noticeboard and run away.

"I had that experience myself as a player and it is not the right way to go about things. I can't escape the fact that there could be someone who has played a really important part in our cup run that I have to leave out.

"But at least it is some consolation if you are on the bench. We have a squad of 19 players and three will not be involved at all. That is the hardest thing, sitting there with your suit on knowing they will not even take part."