Alex Ferguson yesterday launched a robust defence of his assistant Carlos Queiroz after the Manchester United number two had been heavily criticised by Luis Felipe Scolari, Portugal's manager
Ferguson has been angered by Scolari's claims that Queiroz has been making political manoeuvres to replace him in charge of the Portuguese national team. Scolari had questioned why the Old Trafford assistant frequently attends Portugal under-21 games and suggested he was "preparing his candidacy," a debate that has incensed United's hierarchy, with Ferguson describing Queiroz as a "fantastic professional".
Clearly irritated, the United manager added: "I am confused by everything Scolari has had to say. His comment was that Carlos was hanging around Portugal's games looking for a job. But that was a crazy thing to say. I'm sure Scolari sometimes goes to watch Porto and Benfica - is he after their guys' jobs?" Queiroz, he said, had been fully entitled to watch Portugal's under-21s play Serbia in midweek, as part of his work for the club. "I had three of my coaches and all of my scouts at games in Europe and I'm pretty sure they're all still working for me," he remarked.
Scolari had also accused Queiroz of making false statements about Cristiano Ronaldo not being fit for Portugal's game against Kazakhstan last Wednesday. He claimed Queiroz had told him in private that Ronaldo would be fine, a claim that Ferguson categorically denied on his assistant's behalf.
"Scolari said that Carlos had spoken to him in private to mark his card that Ronaldo was all right but had given a different story to the press to keep the Manchester United fans happy. But Carlos never spoke to Scolari at all so, again, I'm confused about what he means. I don't understand why he has said this."
Ferguson's mood was not helped by the fact that Ronaldo returned from Portugal's 3-0 victory with swelling around the ankle he damaged in United's 1-0 win at Blackburn last weekend. The 21-year-old had extensive treatment at the club's training ground yesterday and Ferguson reported that he will be available for today's game at Sheffield United.
Freddy Adu, the 17-year-old forward who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the United States, will arrive at Old Trafford tomorrow for a two-week trial.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger claimed yesterday it would be unjust if Thierry Henry does not win the Ballon d'Or, when the award is made a week on Monday. Reports in Italy suggest the prize for the best player in Europe, voted for by journalists, will go to the World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, but the Arsenal manager feels that would do a disservice to his striker.
"Congratulations to Cannavaro if that's the case but for me there's only one candidate this year and that's Thierry Henry," Wenger said. "He just deserves it. He was the top goalscorer in England, the best player in England, the second-highest goalscorer in Europe behind Luca Toni. He played in the Champions League final and he played in the World Cup final. He lost one on penalties and he lost the other in the last few minutes with 10 men."
Magnus Hedman (33) yesterday claimed that Chelsea are the only club who could have tempted him out of retirement. "Any other club than Chelsea I would have said 'no'," added the former Coventry and Celtic goalkeeper, a free agent who joined as cover for the injured Petr Cech for the rest of the season. "Considering the size of the club it wasn't a hard decision to make - it's like a fairytale. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and it's like a big, big family."
"When I'm 100 per cent fit I will do everything to put in a good challenge (for the number one jersey)," the Swede added.
Guardian Service
