Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has applauded Manchester United’s
coolness under pressure as they prepare to retain their Premier
League title.
United need just a point from Saturday’s home game with Arsenal
to hang on to the domestic crown.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side held their nerve under pressure from
Liverpool and Chelsea to stay at the summit and Hiddink says they
should be congratulated for doing so.
“Every team in this tough league will experience some period of
‘less performances’, which is normal,” said Hiddink. “In that
period, the quality of United was not to panic, to stick to their
jobs.
“They could cope with the pressure because there was more
pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool not to lose points, which we did
with one defeat and a draw.
“They have a lot of experienced players, a lot of experience
with their manager.
“They did not panic. Credit to them. They know how to play
‘championship’.
“They are used to that. Many new teams who want to become
champions might become a bit nervous on the edge of becoming
champions. They did not.”