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Warnock slams Ferguson as Blades go down

May 13th, 2007

Neil Warnock launched a furious attack on Sir Alex Ferguson after Sheffield United crashed out of the Premiership on Sunday.

Warnock’s side were relegated on goal difference after losing 2-1 against Wigan, while West Ham took advantage of Ferguson’s decision to play a weakened team by winning 1-0 at Manchester United. Blades manager Warnock was bitterly disappointed to hear Ferguson had left out Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

“I’m disappointed with selections,” he said. “I must admit I thought Sir Alex would play a stronger team than that but it was not to be. “To see them celebrating on the pitch leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. “What goes around comes around. I’m looking forward to the Cup Final.”

The Yorkshire club were consigned to the bottom three by their former defender David Unsworth, who stroked home a second half penalty after United striker Jon Stead had cancelled out Paul Scharner’s goal. The Blades spent just a season in the top-flight and Warnock admitted he was devastated.

“It’s a horrible time, you feel sick to your stomach,” he said. “To go down on goal difference is very cruel. “You think about Rafa Benitez and all them playing teams like they have. Some of the decisions, the commission. You feel very bitter. “It is easier for Sheffield United to be relegated than West Ham or anybody else. By Tuesday it will be fish and chip paper.”

Wigan’s first win in nine games was enough for Paul Jewell’s side to retain their top-flight status. Jewell said:

“I thought we played well in the first half but it was backs to the wall after that and we defended manfully. It’s something we haven’t done enough of this season. “I always thought there would be twists and turns on the final day and it’s proved to be our day. “It’s an amazing achievement. Everybody at the football club has been written off by so-called experts.”

It is still possible United and several other clubs will challenge the decision by an independent commission not to deduct points from West Ham for their failure to properly register Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano following their August transfers. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been leading the calls for action and, despite his club’s survival, he said:

“I’m happy for us, but for Sheffield United to go down is not fair. “I wanted us to win, but for West Ham to stay up is not justice.”  It was inevitable that Tevez would score West Ham’s winner at Old Trafford as the east London club completed their great escape. Hammers manager Alan Curbishley said: “Let’s be fair about it, whatever the circumstances to come to Manchester United and win is fantastic. “I hope I never have to go through it again and I hope West Ham never have to go through it again. “We’ve been saying ever since I’ve been here, there was ability in the team.”

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Entry Filed under: English Football,Sports News & Results