Sir Alex Ferguson has just finished his press conference at Carrington Training Complex ahead of the visit of Sunderland tomorrow at Old Trafford.
As ever, manutd.com and the British media were on hand to take note of everything that was discussed during today’s press conference.
Starting with the great news that Nemanja Vidic has been training all week and is set for his first-team return tomorrow at the back for the reds.
Sir Alex on Vidic’s return to the squad:
“It’s a big, big win to have him back in the squad – his ability to head the ball, his captaincy. We hope we’ve given him the proper rehab. We’ll give him a chance and we hope he sails through it. I don’t know whether he will start tomorrow – he’s only played about 10 games in the last 12 months, which is not like Nemanja.”
“I don’t know whether we will start him [Vidic] tomorrow but it is an advantage to have him back in the squad”
Team news ahead of Sunderland:
“Nemanja Vidic is back in the squad tomorrow. Jonny Evans is out with the hamstring injury from last week. Chris Smalling came on and did very well. Shinji Kagawa is back in training and doing very well. Nani is still out.”
Sir Alex on being top of the Barclay’s Premier League:
“I’m happy with six points. It’s City’s challenge to try and catch us. If we can keep our players fit, it will give us a better chance. We’ve got a heavy programme of fixtures – if we can negotiate that and still be top, we’ll be delighted.”
Sir Alex on Sunderland celebrations for Man City last season:
“Their fans’ reaction on the last day was disappointing. When you think about the players we’ve given them over the years, including Evans and Simpson, who helped them win promotion. I don’t think it was malicious from their fans, just foolishness; they were just enjoying the moment.”
At the end of season awards back in May, Sir Alex Ferguson reminded Sunderland that we will not forget them cheering for Manchester City:
“Sunderland fans who were cheering for City, remember the day. We won’t forget that. I am telling you.”
Watch the bosses speech here: