Ferguson justifies strategy: “My tactics were based on Gareth Barry playing as badly as usual”
Experienced spoiler
Sir Alex Ferguson has defended himself from the criticism following Manchester United’s crucial derby defeat by pointing out that Gareth Barry superb midfield display could not have been foreseen without a crystal ball.
Ferguson’s team selection and formation was widely slammed as City ran riot, but it is unreasonable to expect the Scot to have prepared for a solid performance from Barry.
“Barry normally can’t even handle Joey Barton when he’s distracted by an inflammatory tweet in midfield, let alone Giggs, Scholes and Park.
“I thought I’d seen everything in my time as a manager but Barry’s proved that football can always surprise you.
“I’m hoping to get a similar shock by seeing some of our players doing well against Swansea.
“That might be too far-fetched though.”
