Manchester United's derby flops facing the axe

Rio Ferdinand (left) and Patrice Evra suffer derby day humiliation

It was arguably the worst defeat in Uniteds history a derby humiliation that left Sir Alex Ferguson seething in his condemnation of his team.

Fergies public hairdrying after Sundays historic 6-1 hammering by City was followed up by a straight forward Carling Cup win at League Two Aldershot.

As predicted, and no doubt planned pre-Black Sunday, it was all change for the trip to Hampshire.

Normally a 3-0 fourth round win would barely raise a Fergie eyebrow never mind a selection dilemma ... but it has, and all over the pitch, with at least FIVE first- choice players facing being dropped.

Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra head the list with Nani, Anderson and Danny Welbeck all fearing the worst if the boss decides there wont be any second chances following the embarrassing derby performance when he was particularly distraught over the defending describing it as suicidal and crazy.

Former Old Trafford youth supremo Eric Harrison, a close friend of Fergie, reckons his old boss will demand a pride-restoring performance at Everton ... and he today he warned Premier League rivals: Beware of the wounded tiger!

He told MEN Sport: Sir Alex will strike back with vengeance thats his style.

Losing to City would have hurt the boss hard. He would have been embarrassed for himself and especially for the fans he cares greatly for.

He always looks ahead and will look for an immediate response against Everton hell welcome this type of fixture.

Whenever United have won silverware, he never dwells on the success, he opts instead to be even better and stronger than next time around this is his strength.

He will not have wanted to see anyone mopi! ng aroun d in training this week.

Anyone who has been down definitely wont play against Everton trust me.

One or two players who played against Aldershot could come into his plans. He may well make one or two changes but hell always go for his best team.

I personally thought Dimitar Berbatov was outstanding in midweek.

The boss will have noted that because when he calls on a player, he expects them to be ready.

Ive worked with some of the best the likes of Harry Catterick, who was ruthless but Ive never known anyone as mentally strong as Sir Alex is.

This will have been seen this week. After losing to City all he will have wanted to do is to get his team back out there and move on.

Like Harrison, former United boss Tommy Docherty believes the Reds will bounce back quickly.

The Doc said: Your next result is always the most important one. The City game has gone.

Sir Alex will no doubt have said his piece to his players in the dressing room after this game and thats now history.

The king is dead, so long live the king thats how you view a situation and Alex will simply keep on doing what hes done for the past 25 years lets face it, he is the best.

Ferdinand has already spoken of how he ignores the obituaries being penned about his career. The 32-year-old is well aware the rapid rise of Phil Jones has led to questions being asked about his own contributions for United and England.

After an outstanding display in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool, Ferdinand said: I have had people writing me off many times in my career ... I just go out and play. I am confident in my own ability.

England skipper John Terry is at the centre of FA inquiry into racism with Ferdinands brother Anton at QPR the alleged victim.

That has led to questions depending on the outcome of the probe about whether Terry and Rio could play in the ! same nat ional team.

Fergies selection headaches:

Defence

Keeper David de Gea wont be at all happy to concede six but can blame the weakened back four and Sir Alex does have plenty of options. Hell be worried but will probably get another chance.

Ferdinand is most under threat and, with Jonny Evans suspended, it will most likely be a backline of Smalling, Jones, Vidic and Evra the latter will be able to plead Sunday was a one-off, although his form has been dipping.

Midfield

Nani, who so much was expected of on Sunday, is under severe pressure from Tuesdays third goal-scorer Valencia, while hit and miss Andersons place could go to Tom Cleverley, even though the youngster made a quieter than expected return against Aldershot.

Sticking with Fletcher is a no- brainer and then the only question is finding a place for Mr Energy, Ji-Sung Park.

Forwards

Frustrated on Sunday as he desperately tried to get into the game, Wayne Rooney will be firing back home on Merseyside.

Danny Welbeck can blame a total lack of a decent pass for his poor derby showing but Fergie, if he wants to send the right message to his squad players, will bring in
Berbatov, who was superb and played as if his life depended on it, albeit against inferior opponents on Tuesday.

What do you think? Have your say.

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