Slamming of Capello unwarranted, says Fergie

LONDON - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that the flak heaped upon Capello is unwarranted, considering so many first-choice players, including his own club’s Wayne Rooney, were missing.

“Fabio had six or seven young players in the team, including Kieran Gibbs, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll. I believe the criticism is definitely over the top. If he had played all his big hitters, then Fabio would probably have gained a better result,” the Daily Express quoted Ferguson, as saying.

“But it’s all about priorities, planning for the future. You had Ashley Cole and John Terry withdrawing, Frank Lampard wasn’t available, while Wayne Rooney wasn’t fit. He had a lot of players missing,” he added.

Ferguson also believes that Capello was within his rights to keep Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard on the field even though it led to an injury, which could sideline the midfielder for three weeks. (ANI)