WINTER BREAK

Last updated : 03 February 2004 By editor

Although it effectively only means the rescheduling of one game, Ferguson believes it is a step in the right direction.

'I have only been talking about it for 29 years, so maybe the authorities didn't want me to reach my 30th anniversary which would have been quite a landmark,' he said.

'I am delighted. There is no question it is the right thing, not just for the players but also for the coaches. December in our country is an exhausting month. Not only do you have normal league matches and League Cup games but there are usually fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year's Day crammed in as well.”

'A two-week break would do everyone a power of good and allow everyone to get some freshness back.'