HOW WILL FERGIE RESPOND TO THIS?

Last updated : 23 May 2006 By Ed

"I know a lot of people in Manchester don't understand it, well it is the same for me.

"I love Manchester United. That is why I don't really understand it.

"What has happened has happened. I have a World Cup in front of me, so I need to try and forget about it and move on.

"But one thing I want to make clear is that I went (from the hotel) because I had to go, not because I went myself."

More:

"I have been in touch with a few team-mates.

"That was nice and gave me a good feeling."


More still:

"I have two years left on my contract and if things stay the way they are at the moment I will still be at the club next season.

"But I am not naive and the fact I wasn't involved in the last Premiership game or Roy Keane's testimonial was not a good sign, but nothing is going to happen until after the World Cup."

Even more still:

"Of course it is easy to concentrate on my football.

"We have the World Cup coming up.

"I don't feel there is more pressure on me because I know Marco van Basten has confidence in me, as do the other coaches, my team-mates and the supporters, which is all I need.

"I actually feel quite good. I have come into a team that is very motivated to do well. I am part of that and I feel happy with it.

"In that sense, I can forget what happened and try to move on, which is what I am doing."

The Times:

Inter Milan are keen to strike a deal before the finals start on June 9, rather than risk getting dragged into a bidding war, but unless an acceptable offer is forthcoming, United are likely to reject the Italian club's advances.