Stylish Blackpool go down fighting

Ian Holloway was proud but deflated after Blackpool went down fighting, losing 4-2 at Manchester United to drop out of the Premier League.

Blackpool led 2-1 in the match at Old Trafford after goals from Charlie

Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher cancelled out Park Ji-Sung’s opener.

But champions United equalised through Anderson, before an Ian Evatt own

goal and Michael Owen’s strike secured victory for the home side.

Defeat means Blackpool will return to the Championship after one

rollercoaster season in the top flight, with Holloway unable to hide his

disappointment after coming close to an unlikely escape act.

“This is a special group down here and we’re very disappointed right now,” Holloway told Sky Sports.

“After taking the lead, we had started to believe we can do this. You

saw the way we played, the chances we created; we’ve got to take those.”

“But United brought on Wayne Rooney, they’re used to winning and we lost out.”

“That aside, we’ve been absolutely outstanding and it’s hard to take.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the efforts of Holloway and his valiant players.

“I think Blackpool have played their part,” Ferguson said.

“They play attractive and attacking football. They are a loss to the Premier League.”

United were presented with the Premier League trophy after the match,

and Ferguson allowed his players the opportunity to celebrate before

they begin preparations for the Champions League final against Barcelona

next Saturday.

“This is a wonderful day,” Ferguson said.

“It’s when your season of hard work comes to fruition.”

“I think we deserved it, the team have worked so hard as a team. I think that’s what clinched it for us.”

“The team has had a great work ethic, they have worked their socks off.”