Fergie: We Have Confidence

Sir Alex Ferguson believes confidence is high among United players as they approach the final stage of the season.

The Reds beat Bolton 4-1 - much to the delight of their fiery boss.

'It's a terrific result for us against a Bolton team who, as everyone knows, are very good, making you work all day,' Sir Alex said.

'But the most pleasing aspect was to score four goals at home at this time of year. That was great.'

'I think that emphasises the confidence the players in have themselves and each other.'

'Even when Gary Neville got his injury, and there was a hush in the crowd, the players were undeterred. The performances of Ferdinand and Vidic laid the foundation for us and enabled Wes Brown to settle in. He ended up having a marvellous game himself.

'Initially people thought, 'not another injury', but the resilience of this team means they're not going to be put back at all.'

Well, I admit the very first thought crossing my mind was 'oh, not another injury' while the second is not one to publish on a website. But go on: Sam Allardyce does not wish to mince his words.

'I can't understand the team today,' he told PremPlus.

'I can't understand how we've conceded three goals from basically our dead-ball situations.

'We have to get the basics right and play the percentage game because we've not got the same quality as them.

'We took a goal-kick and they scored. We took a long throw, they scored. And the final goal, we took a free-kick, the ball pops out, Alan Smith hooks it on and Wayne Rooney goes and scores.

'That is embarrassing particularly when we are supposed to be good in that area.

'We have gifted Manchester United three goals.'

'I am angry with us not doing those things right.

'I can't believe we've had two weeks to prepare for this game, we've been on the training ground all this week and we haven't played as well as we can.'

Whenever I tried to put in a very good amount of work preparing for an exam, I failed miserably. You know what I mean, Big Sam?

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