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Out but not down Fergie, United have 'no complaints' about experience
Posted: Sunday January 09, 2000 11:22 AM
LONDON (Reuters) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson refused to be downhearted despite his side's failure to reach the final of the inaugural FIFA Club World Championship in Brazil. United caused a bitter controversy in England by withdrawing from the FA Cup in order to go to Brazil, but Ferguson insisted on Sunday that he had no regrets about his decision to participate. British bookmakers had installed the European champion as pre-tournament joint favorites, but Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Vasco da Gama left them facing a humiliating exit after the group stages. Blunders by United's England defender Gary Neville gifted the Brazilians their first two goals, both scored by Romario, before Edmundo added a third. Nicky Butt scored late on for United, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal. United can still qualify for the third-place match, but it will need a comprehensive victory over South Melbourne and will have to hope that Vasco beats Necaxa in the final group B matches on Tuesday. Worthwhile experienceSpeaking to BBC Radio Five from Rio De Janeiro, Ferguson said that no matter what the outcome of Tuesday's matches, the trip would still have been a worthwhile experience for the English club. "We are obviously very disappointed," he said. "It was a game we controlled and we gave away two terrible goals and you just can't do that. "It was unusual for us to make mistakes like that but it can happen. You would never expect Gary Neville of all people to make those errors but it's just one of those things. It's over now, and we are just looking forward to getting home now." United have courted controversy since its arrival in South America and have been accused of insulting the hosts by retreating from the public and media limelight. Midfielder David Beckham's dismissal for a brutal challenge in the opening game against Necaxa compounded the ill-feeling toward the English club. But Ferguson said he had been impressed by the way the tournament had been run and the way his squad had been treated. No complaintsHe added: "It has been very well organized. The Brazilian people have looked after us very well. The hotel and the facilities have been excellent. We have no complaints on that front but on the playing side we wish we had done better. "We have actually enjoyed ourselves. It has been a wonderful experience for the players to play at the Maracana stadium. Even though it has been very hot it has been rejuvenating for us being here. "The Brazilian press didn't do us much good when we arrived. They were under the impression we didn't care and wouldn't try, but I think after our second-half display in the first match [against Necaxa] they will have changed their opinions." Ferguson refused to be drawn into discussing Beckham, saying: "There is a David Beckham agenda and I don't want to get into that. Players get sent off. It happens." Ferguson said he was likely to rest his senior players and give his younger squad members a run-out against South Melbourne on Tuesday. "It will be wonderful for them to have the experience of playing in the Maracana. We also have an important league match against Arsenal when we get back," he added.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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