Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to see the
traditional post-match press conference scrapped.
"Sometimes managers react after a game and leave themselves open.
It is not easy," said Ferguson, with specific reference to
Premiership fixtures.
"I have said time and again, post-match press conferences should be
abandoned.
"It is a waste of time and does the manager no good whatsoever. All
you end up with are sensational headlines. They should be
stopped."
Ferguson has not attended a post-match press conference in the
Premiership for almost five seasons.
The Scot has restricted himself to in-house television and radio
interviews as well as contractual TV obligations.
And Ferguson has suggested that the reason for his decision is that
manager's often say things in the heat of the moment that they
regret later.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate allegedly hit out at
Cristiano Ronaldo following United's win at Middlesbrough earlier
this month.
And Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho launched an erroneous attack on
Andrew Johnson at Goodison Park last week after his team's win at
Everton.
Ferguson added: "I don't think I would fall into the trap of
criticising individual players myself but it is not easy."
Manchester United are two points clear of Chelsea after a
comfortable 3-0 over Aston Villa on Saturday, while the Blues edged
out Wigan 3-2.
United were without Michael Carrick because of an ankle injury but
Ferguson has dismissed reports that suggested the midfield could be
sidelined for up to a month and expects him to face Reading on 30
December.
"Michael did some light training yesterday and reports that he will
be out for a month are nonsense," confirmed Ferguson. "He will be
ready for Reading."
Ferguson also hinted that he could be ready to revive a bid for
long-term transfer target Owen Hargreaves.
Bayern Munich this week hinted that they would consider selling the
25-year-old England midfielder - but not until next summer.
Ferguson said: "We are waiting to see about it.
"Chief executive David Gill is always in touch with them because of
the G14 and he sees Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge quite
regularly, so we will see."
