Fergie Blames The Fixture List For United Failings

Alex Ferguson is always keen to point the finger at someone. Usually, referees and opposing managers are the targets of his ire. However, now the fixture list has come in for some of the famous 'hairdryer treatment'.

The Manchester United manager claims that the fixture list has "handicapped" his team this season as they have had to play away in the Premier League immediately after all four of their Champions League fixtures.

United held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge after their first European match this campaign, before beating Blackburn and drawing with Everton.

They were beaten 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium by Arsenal yesterday having been held to a 1-1 draw by Celtic in Glasgow on Wednesday night.

He also complained about having to play good sides away from home at the beginning of the season.

"They say the league is not handicapped but it is. Every game after a European tie is away from home," Ferguson said."We have the top ten teams from last season away from home in the first half of the season. So you can see it's been a big challenge to us."

The Scotsman remains confident though that his side will still be challenging for honours in May, provided that they are still in touch with the league leaders by Christmas.

"But hopefully," he continued "if we can get in among the top ones come the turn of the year, we'll have a big chance next year."

Ferguson did take one positive from yesterday's defeat though: the performance of Rafael da Silva, who scored United's goal after coming on as a substitute for Gary Neville.

"He is a breath of fresh air," said Ferguson of the young Brazilian."He came on yesterday and grabbed the game.

"He took us up a notch in the match. It is not easy for an 18-year-old defender to come in but he is one of the bright young players we have at this club and we are very pleased with him."

Zack Wilson