Sir Alex Ferguson recieved a rousting send-off in his last home game as Manchester United boss
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Swansea at Old Trafford yesterday in his farewell home game.
Typical of United’s never-say-die attitude the champions scored a late goal through centre-back Rio Ferdinand to give the Scot a big send-off.
Sentimental
The day was very sentimental for everybody involved, not only was it Sir Alex’s final home game in charge of United, but also Paul Scholes last home appearance for the Red Devils.
Never one for attention he seemed to shy away from the limelight, especially during Sir Alex’s farewell speech to his fans.
Speech
Even as a neutral it was hard not to feel emotional as Sir Alex Ferguson led out his team for the final time at Old Trafford. In his speech, the veteran Scot thanked United fans and players. He also asked the United supporters to back their new manager and paid tribute to Scholes, who he described as one of the greatest ever United players.
Typical
Manchester United have become famous for late goals under the retiring Scot and this game was no different, as veteran centre-back Rio Ferdinand blasted home an 87th minute winner. It was the perfect way for Sir Alex Ferguson’s last home game to finish.
The only thing that would have made the occasion more special would have been if Paul Scholes had scored on his Old Trafford farewell. However, even without a goal the veteran midfielder received a standing ovation, as he was substituted in the second half.
Unfortunate
Unfortunately, one player that did not take part in the game was striker Wayne Rooney, who recently handed in a transfer request. The England international has experienced a poor campaign and for the last few months, there has been speculation over his future.
It now looks increasingly likely that Rooney has played his last game for the Red Devils. Sir Alex even stated that he did not believe that Rooney wanted to play any part in yesterday’s game, so decided to omit him from the squad.
Fergie also revealed that United have in fact refused Rooney’s request of being placed on the transfer list and is hoping that the 27 year-old changes his mind in the near future to stay with the champions.
Rooney put in his transfer request prior to the announcement that former-boss David Moyes would be taking over at Old Trafford. The pair did not see eye-to-eye while Rooney was a youngster at Everton and perhaps it is best for the pair if Rooney does leave the club.
The likes of PSG and Bayern Munich have shown an interest in the England striker. His sale would add more money to new manager David Moyes’ transfer war chest this summer. I am sure the new arrival will have his own ideas on the way he wants to develop his team that will include which players will leave the club in the summer.
Exit
David Moyes also received an emotional send-off in his last home game in charge of Everton, as the Toffees secured a top six finish with a 2-0 victory over West Ham. Moyes has done an exceptional job at Goodison Park, in sometimes-difficult circumstances.
I would just like to place on record my gratitude to David Moyes for his 11 years of loyal service and hard work on Merseyside. The Scot has moved the club forward leaps and bounds in his tenure. I wish him success in his future as United boss, except when he faces the Blues of course!
Turnaround
The elation that Wigan felt on Saturday of winning the FA Cup will have turned to disappointment yesterday, as most of yesterday’s results went against the Latics. Newcastle secured their safety by winning 2-1 at rock-bottom QPR.
Norwich hammered West Brom 4-0 at Carrow Road to make safe their Premier League status for next season. Sunderland and Southampton drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light, while yesterday’s 2-1 defeat means that Aston Villa is still in danger of the drop.
Fulham are also not mathematically out of the relegation woods just yet after a 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool yesterday. However, their goal difference makes the Cottagers virtually safe for another season.
Miracle
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is the Latics own purveyor of minor miracles and Athletic will need a miracle now to stay up. The Latics have achieved survival late on in recent campaigns, but that now looks like a tall order.
The Latics have to win their two remaining games if they are to have any chance of surviving the drop. The FA Cup winners face a tough trip to face Arsenal on Tuesday night, a game that will decide Wigan’s fate.
Should they fail to win then the Latics will become the first ever FA Cup winners to be relegated in the same season. Wigan have a habit of pulling off big results at this time of the season and the FA Cup final victory will have confidence running through their veins.
Football is a funny old game and as the FA Cup final proved, you just never know what is going to happen. Wigan could just pull off yet another great escape and that would be some end to another superb Premier League campaign.
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