Sir Alex Ferguson may be at loggerheads with Roberto Mancini in the duel for the Barclays Premier League title, but that didn't stop the Manchester United boss siding with his Manchester City rival on Friday.
Mancini hit the headlines this morning after claiming that if he was still a player, he would have punched controversial striker Mario Balotelli by now
And speaking ahead of Manchester United's clash with QPR on Sunday, Ferguson admits relationships with his players are not always smooth.
The Scot, infamous for his 'hairdryer' treatment, prefers to keep disagreements in-house, but Ferguson admitted he gets driven to distraction.
'Strangle them maybe,' he said jokingly, when asked if he had ever felt like punching someone.
'Players can frustrate you. But it is a difficult industry we are in.'
Victory over QPR at Old Trafford would send United eight points clear of City, who face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
And Ferguson will have winger Nani available after a five-match absence with an ankle injury.
'Nani is back training,' he said.
'He is a good addition because he is such a talented player.'
However, Ferguson confirmed neither Anderson nor Michael Owen would be available to face Mark Hughes' men, who are currently just above the relegation zone.
Even with Nani available, it seems unlikely Ferguson would drop man-of-the-moment Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuador international has been in outstanding form recently, scoring the late goal at Ewood Park on Monday that put United on track for a priceless three points.
There have been suggestions Valencia will ask Ferguson if he can delay surgery to have a plate removed from the ankle he broke at the Copa America last summer, although the operation is news to the United boss.
'I am not sure where the story about his ankle has come from,' he said.
'It has never been discussed. He has a plate but at the moment it stays there.
'As far as his form is concerned, what can you say?
'Antonio has been unbelievable. Absolutely brilliant.
'When you have someone like that coming back to their very best, at this time of year, it is a bonus.' |
