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| Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down the law to his party-loving Manchester United players, warning them that they will head for the Old Trafford exit if they step out of line again. On the eve of his 66th birthday, Sir Alex made it clear he is prepared to be as ruthless with his current stars as he has been in the past with David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam and Roy Keane. Ferguson, whose team lost 2-1 at West Ham yesterday, said: "Times have changed but for me, as a manager, what you can't lose is control. When you see anyone interfering with control, they have to go. This club is based on everyone together. When anyone starts going off at tangents, you have to make changes." The United manager's comments follow the infamous players' Christmas party which infuriated Ferguson and brought the club unwanted headlines around the world. But they also reflect the determination of Sir Alex to stamp on any player who puts his own interests above that of the club. The man who has been in charge at Old Trafford for 21 years admitted that it is now harder than ever to maintain a genuine team ethic, with selfishness and exhibitionism increasing in the modern, money-soaked game. "What annoys me about some footballers today is the personal glory thing," he said. "They score a goal and knock players out of the road so they can get personal gratification and play to the fans. The present-day footballer needs to be noticed with his ear-rings and tattoos. But people in general need to be noticed. It's not just footballers. They don't go to small, intimate restaurants. They go to places that are big and bright, where you are seen and noticed. It is difficult to control." Ferguson has declined to comment publicly on the Christmas party but he is believed to have vented his fury on the main organiser, England defender Rio Ferdinand. Other senior players including club captain Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are also thought to have been left in no doubt as to the manager's opinion of a party which saw 100 women receiving invitations but players' wives and girlfriends excluded. United's 19-year-old defender Jonny Evans is currently on police bail after being arrested in connection with an alleged rape at the party. Ferguson, who will quietly celebrate his birthday tomorrow in the team hotel before Tuesday's home game against Birmingham City, sold Beckham in 2003 after concerns that his apparent liking for the showbusiness lifestyle enjoyed by his wife, Spice Girl Victoria, was taking precedence over his football. Sir Alex also sold Van Nistelrooy and Stam and let Keane leave when he felt their presence at the club was becoming disruptive. Ferguson is bidding for a record 10th Premier League title in 2008 and also hopes to add a second Champions League to sit alongside the triumph of 1999. But he is adamant that he is not contemplating quitting on a high, even if United win another Treble. "I hope to be celebrating my 67th birthday as Manchester United manager. Without a doubt, that is my intention — if the Big Man upstairs sees fit to keep me here. Retirement is not on the agenda." |
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| Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down the law to his party-loving Manchester United players, warning them that they will head for the Old Trafford exit if they step out of line again. "What annoys me about some footballers today is the personal glory thing," he said. "They score a goal and knock players out of the road so they can get personal gratification and play to the fans. The present-day footballer needs to be noticed with his ear-rings and tattoos. But people in general need to be noticed. It's not just footballers. They don't go to small, intimate restaurants. They go to places that are big and bright, where you are seen and noticed. It is difficult to control." United's 19-year-old defender Jonny Evans is currently on police bail after being arrested in connection with an alleged rape at the party. "I hope to be celebrating my 67th birthday as Manchester United manager. Without a doubt, that is my intention — if the Big Man upstairs sees fit to keep me here. Retirement is not on the agenda." |
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| Other senior players including club captain Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are also thought to have been left in no doubt as to the manager's opinion of a party which saw 100 women receiving invitations but players' wives and girlfriends excluded. |
| QUOTE (K!M @ Dec 31 2007, 09:47 PM) |
| :lol: I like his strictness! If the players are really doing all of that, than the old man has every right to punish them ! :muitobem: |