As the gloss dims on cuddly Pete’s shiny new ‘fan-friendly’ regime signs are that the doyen of the black arts has been taken on in an increasingly desperate attempt to get United fans to believe that the players care about the shirt they wear.
From the official site:
ManUtd.com's Simon Davies braved a trip to United's training ground just 48 hours after defeat in the Manchester Derby, and found that the players are finding it just as hard to take as the fans...
‘Having just returned from United's Carrington training centre, I can report that I have never known an atmosphere like it.
Some fans are concerned at what they perceived to be a lack of effort by the players at Maine Road on Saturday, with a handful even going as far as to say that the players aren't bothered at having lost to Manchester City. I'm happy - and relieved - to be able to say they do.
Walking through the glass doors to the complex, I was greeted by a downcast receptionist - and anyone who knows Kath will tell you she's cheerful in even the most trying circumstances. The MUTV crew are gathered outside their studio, carefully studying their shoes. It's dire.
Usually a bustling environment, Carrington is more like a ghost town. There are loads of people there, but somehow it seems quiet - as if the life has been sucked out of the place. This is 48 hours after the game, remember.
Then Ruud van Nistelrooy, who I'm there to interview, appears. His shoulders hunched, the smile has gone from his lips. We make our way up to the balcony in silence - usually there's a bit of banter as we head up there, but not today.
Ruud's quiet at the start of the chat, but eventually warms up. Unfortunately he's said he doesn't want to talk about Saturday's game, but does hint that he won't be going into Manchester city centre for some time. At the end, he shakes my hand and apologises. "Sorry. I'm not in the best of moods today." It's understandable, I tell him, and he silently nods his head.
He slopes off again, hardly recognisable as the confident six footer we see out on the pitch. He'll be back for Wednesday, I'm sure of that, but seeing him made me realise that the players do care after all.
To be honest, I'd had my doubts. Roy Keane's comments about mansions and rolex watches had spun through my head all weekend, and I was beginning to fear the worst. Would the manager have to break up the team and bring in some fresh blood - players who are willing to die for the cause?
Now I know he won't. Ruud cares. Maybe Saturday can be turned into a positive. The players have had it so good for the past few years that a kick up the backside wouldn't do them harm. If they remember how this feels, right now, then they can use it to ensure they don't feel like this again.
As a fan, I feel a bit better - not much, but a bit - knowing that the players are going through what I am.’