THE TIDE WAS HIGH

Last updated : 02 January 2003 By Editor
Howard Wilkinson admitted he felt as though he was 'watching the tide come in' at Old Trafford.

"I wasn't concerned until the 80th minute, then they started to get behind us and put dangerous crosses in" said Wilkinson. "After that it was like watching the tide coming in. There is not a player in the Manchester United side who cannot do something for them in attack. You can't look at anyone and say 'let them have the ball'. They have such drive and determination."

"The goalkeeper made some excellent saves. The first half in particular had three good chances on the break. But with Manchester United throwing caution to the wind and with the good players they have got, you are going to expect pressure. For most of the time we managed to keep the pressure in front of us and unfortunately they got behind us."