Liverpool star Suarez 'laden with controversy', insists Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

12 Jan 2013 11:05:00

The Scot suggests the Reds forward enjoys the extra attention, and hopes no disputed incidents end up deciding the result between the clubs at Old Trafford on Sunday

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Liverpool striker Luis Suarez "laden with controversy" ahead of the rivals' Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

The Uruguay international has been in superb form for Brendan Rodgers' team this season, netting 15 league goals to leave himself one behind league leader Robin van Persie.

However, the 25-year-old striker was once again in the headlines after appearing to handle the ball to score in the Reds' 2-1 FA Cup win over Mansfield last Saturday, and Ferguson feels the star may even enjoy the attention.

"I didn't see the Mansfield game, so it's difficult to say if it was deliberate [handball] or not," he told reporters. "But I think [Suarez] is laden with controversy. I don't know if he enjoys it or not."

Brendan Rodgers has come out in support of his star forward, and claims he would not swap Suarez for United's lethal centre-forward Van Persie.

Ferguson suggests all managers will defend their own players in the face of such criticism - but hopes his side do not suffer from yet another controversial incident involving Suarez on Sunday.

He continued: "You're always going to support your own player. That's not surprising from Brendan Rodgers. I've done it myself. It's part of your loyalty and protection of the player.

"I just hope we don't suffer from some of the decisions that went Suarez's way on Sunday."

Suarez was banned for eight games by the FA after racially abusing Patrice Evra during a match between the clubs at Anfield in 2011, and caused further controversy for refusing to shake the left-back's hand last season.

Despite the recent tensions and the historical rivalry between the two clubs, Ferguson hopes the match will be an entertaining game where the players - and not the officials - decide the result.

‪"We've got the two most successful clubs in the country and you hope it's a good game," he said. "Over the years they've been relatively free from controversy. No sensational decisions have marred the game.

"It is always an immensely important game. It is intense and emotional. Everything you can think of in a derby game will probably be there."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets

Inside Goal.Com

Win a sponsorship package with Seara!
Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ sponsor is giving away an amazing sponsorship package for next season to five football squads from across the UK and Ireland
League of Ireland Player of the Week: Kieran Waters
After a slow start to the season, the talented winger has significantly improved his contribution to aid Bray Wanderers in their fight against relegation
Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
AVB, Levy & Lewis to thrash out Tottenham plans
After missing out on a place in the Champions League, the north London side are devising a way to keep Gareth Bale at the club and attract new stars to White Hart Lane
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley