Manchester United's 4-1 thumping of Portsmouth proves Alex Ferguson's touchline ban is a waste of time
Manchester United's 4-1 thumping of Portsmouth at the weekend showed the futility of Sir Alex Ferguson's two-game touchline ban.
On the eve of the game, Fergie paid lip service to Pompey's admittedly vociferous home support, saying he feared his coaching staff may not be able to hear him for the din.
What utter rubbish. Fergie sould sit in the stands permanently and United would still emerge victrious from most of their games, such is the formidable strength of their squad.
Fergie hardly ventures into the technical area these days anyway, preferring to let assistant boss Mike Phelan deliver his instructions while he remains seated.
The only time Fergie generally leaves the comfort of the dug-out during games these days is to berate officials which, admittedly, has been often this season.
But the more serious point about Fergie's FA touchline ban for his attack on referee Alan Wiley is that it is not a sufficient punishment for the crime.
Not having their boss by the side of the pitch had no affect on United's players on Saturday, nor will it when they take on Tottenham in the Carling Cup at Old tomorrow.
Blog
Comment: Why Liverpool need to accept Suarez is more sinner than saint
Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12Yesterday's Manchester United-Liverpool clash was a perfect opportunity to draw a line under the Sua... Read More+
Blog
Andy Dunn's Big Match Verdict: Why Rio's grand performance would make him Harry's ideal captain
Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12The idiotic refusal by Luis Suarez to shake Patrice Evra’s hand, the tunnel bust-up and Fergie’s af... Read More+
Blog
Comment: Why England need to get rid of their cosy club mentality
Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12I have been in the States this week where the sports news has been majoring on Gisele Bundchen’s pit... Read More+
Column
Harry has won our hearts - and now he can make England proud again
Ian Holloway 21:01 11/02/12Harry Redknapp's confession in the witness box that he doesn’t even know how to send an email may ha... Read More+
Column
Why I can't wait to face Moyes - my tip to replace Fergie - again
Ian Holloway 21:00 11/02/12I really miss pitting my wits against the best managers in the Premier League. However, next week I’... Read More+
Blog
Will Juan Sebastian Veron's football career have a fairytale ending?
Mirror Football Blog 18:07 11/02/12For the new season, MirrorFootball is teaming up with some of the blogosphere's best new writers to ... Read More+
Blog
Tweet my Handshake! The best gags from Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool
Football Banter 16:09 11/02/12Manchester United won the match but inevitably this encounter will be remembered more for the antics... Read More+
Blog
Watch David Beckham's amazing table football trickshot
Mirror Football Blog 11:11 11/02/12We all know what David Beckham can do on a real football pitch, but it seems old Goldenballs is pret... Read More+
Column
Why farcical forced pre-match handshakes should be scrapped
Mark Lawrenson 08:01 11/02/12The pre-match handshake is a meaningless farce and should be scrapped. You shake the hand of an oppo... Read More+
Column
Jose would be perfect for Spurs but Harry could manage England part-time anyway
Mark Lawrenson 08:00 11/02/12Jose Mourinho would be the perfect choice for Tottenham. And surely Spurs would be a great fit for h... Read More+
Blog
What are the odds Suarez and Evra swap shirts at the final whistle? Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day
Betting Blog 22:00 10/02/12The FA reckon Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra should shake hands when they come face to face on Saturda... Read More+
Column
United v Liverpool has always been spiky... but it used to be about football too
Brian Reade 20:59 10/02/12We should have sacked Capello two years ago Why Moyes is the right man for Spurs Those who think to... Read More+
