THANKS FOR NOTHING

Departing Manchester United coach Walter Smith expects the Red Devils to be at their most dangerous again next season.

The veteran Scot has left Old Trafford in the aftermath of Saturday's FA Cup win over Millwall after spending three months as temporary assistant to old friend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Smith answered Ferguson's SOS for a number two and, after a rocky introduction to life with the Red Devils, eventually helped rebuild a defence that had crumbled following Rio Ferdinand's suspension and guide the club to victory at the Millennium Stadium.

"Manchester United's record over the last 12 or 13 years is fantastic," Smith told the BBC.

"One thing that is clear is that if they have ever lost a championship, they always bounce back and win it again the next season.

"Their past record would indicate that they are at their most dangerous the season after having the disappointment of losing out on the championship.

"Disappointments are hard to take but it is how you react that is important. Their reaction has always been positive and one the other teams in the Premiership can look forward to.”