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Ferguson hits back at Blatter

14/10/2005

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told Fifa president Sepp Blatter to concentrate on the more important issues facing world football rather than Wayne Rooney's temperament.

Ferguson's comments come after Blatter said that Ferguson should be trying to calm Rooney down after his recent high-profile misdemeanours, including sarcastically applauding Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen in United's Champions League game with Villareal.

"When you play at the level he plays he should be called to order and his manager should be tougher on him," Blatter said in an interview with BBC Radio Five Live.

However, Ferguson hit back at Blatter's remarks, saying that the Fifa president should mind his own business.

"I think they are quite happy to take up smaller issues, like talking about a player at Manchester United who is 19 years of age, rather than pursue the really important issues in the game at this present day," Ferguson said.

Blatter has made a number of outspoken comments in recent weeks regarding English clubs, including saying that teams should not field weaker sides in Premiership games, with specific reference to West Brom.

West Brom, who fielded a weaker side against champions Chelsea earlier in the season, denied the claims.

"We also utterly refute what Mr Blatter suggests," a spokesman said.

The management of the club field what they consider to be their strongest available side for every game - and will continue to do so."

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