http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1006/1006159_fergie_defends_rio_decision.html
Fergie defends Rio decision
3/ 5/2007
SIR Alex Ferguson has revealed he was taking a long-term view when
he left Rio Ferdinand out of the Champions League semi-final defeat
to AC Milan.
The Manchester United boss felt he could only name one of Ferdinand
and Nemanja Vidic in his starting line-up at the San Siro as both
were badly lacking match fitness after recent absences from the
Reds side.
In the end, Ferguson plumped for Vidic, who at least had been able
to do some running while he recovered from the broken collarbone he
suffered against Blackburn on March 31, in contrast to Ferdinand,
who has been plagued by a groin problem for almost a month.
The move was condemned as a disaster by former United boss Tommy
Docherty, who felt Vidic was partly responsible for a woeful
defensive display which was a huge contributing factor in a 3-0
defeat that saw the Old Trafford outfit denied a meeting with
Liverpool in Athens on May 23.
In contrast, Ferguson felt Vidic did okay on his reappearance, with
the Scot certain he took the wisest choice by playing the Serbian
instead of Ferdinand, whose assurance was badly missed.
I have no complaints about Nemanja at all, said Ferguson.
Risk
There was an element of risk but I couldnt play both him and Rio
and the lesser risk, without question, was Vidic.
I have to take the long view and hopefully we now have Rio
available now for the rest of the season.
Both men are expected to figure in Saturdays Manchester derby at
Eastlands, where victory would see United move to within a point of
clinching the Premier League title.
Louis Saha is also likely to be involved after his substitutes
appearance in the San Siro, although the Frenchman may have to make
do with a place on the bench as he continues his comeback from a
long-standing hamstring problem.
Ryan Giggs is determined the side will bounce back quickly from the
defeat.
We cannot feel sorry for ourselves, said Giggs.
Of course, as soon as the final whistle goes you are really
disappointed. But we also have to remember we still have so much to
go for this season.
Yes, we are greedy. We wanted to win everything this season. Now
we are out of the Champions League, we have to try and win the
double.
Another minor piece of good news to emerge from what was a
disastrous evening for the Red Devils is that Cristiano Ronaldo
will be available for the start of next seasons European
campaign.
Ronaldo was among Uniteds biggest disappointments last night and
capped off a poor evening by collecting a booking which would have
ruled him out of the final if his team had gone through.
There was some suggestion the Portugal wingers suspension would
carry forward to next season.
However, UEFA have confirmed that is the case only with red card
offences, leaving Ronaldo clear to make his re-appearance in the
group stage next term, where Uniteds presence has already been
assured.
