Sir Alex Ferguson: Battling against all odds

Sir Alex Fergusons hand looks to be forced over skipper Patrice Evra despite the race row

It certainly wasnt anything to do with mind games and more a statement of fact when United No 2 Mike Phelan admitted: Were not in the greatest state that we could possibly be in.

But for Sir Alex Ferguson, preparing for the undisputed tie of the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield tomorrow against Uniteds biggest inter-city rivals Liverpool, its a backs-to-the-wall situation that hell relish.

The Reds boss will be keeping his selection options even closer to his chest than normal but his hand looks to be forced over skipper Patrice Evra.

Fergie, who last season revealed he didnt play Wayne Rooney at Goodison because of the abuse he feared he would have endured, isnt likely to further weaken his injury-ravaged team.

Liverpools hierarchy wanted a joint approach with potentially an unprecedented combined United-Liverpool statement calling for calm in the wake of the now infamous Patrice Evra Luis Suarez race row that led to the FA banning the Liverpool talisman for eight games.

Casualty

Fergie opted instead to directly address Uniteds 5,000-plus travelling army, pleading for them to be calm although, of course, provide maximum support.

That is guaranteed with the tie being given additional spice as if any was needed with Liverpool looking for a unique double over Manchester after knocking City out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday at the semi-final stage.

As he surveyed their selection options, Phelan went on to say the Reds will summon up all their vast experience and resources.

And that is exactly what will be needed with Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic already ruled out for the season ! with Nan i, Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen highly unlikely to figure with late tests due on Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.

Despite that lengthy casualty list, Fergie has resisted plunging into the January transfer market in a bid to beef up his resources.

And former United firebrand Gary Neville, infamous for his baiting of all things Scouse before he switched the pitch for the TV analysts booth, has praised Fergie for not panicking and splashing out in order to boost his depleted squad.

Ive never seen it work where a player comes in January, signs for big money and settles before the start of next season, insisted Red Nev.

To go into the market in January you never get full value, people think youre desperate so ask for more. Sir Alex has never been one to panic. Youre signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club.

Potentially if hes coming from abroad you need to get used to a new league.

You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players.

Theyve had a lot of injuries, but thats not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is youre able to cope with it.

Massive

They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.

Meanwhile, Liverpools in-form captain Steven Gerrard is starting to dream of a second Wembley final appearance this season.

After their 3-2 aggregate Carling Cup semi-final success over the Blue half of Manchester, Gerrard said: Weve got to dust ourselves down and get our recovery in.

In just over 48 hours weve got a massive game in the FA Cup and we want to do the same in that competition we want to go a long way.

Tomorrows rivals have won the FA Cup 18 times between them, an! d United hold the edge in meetings between these teams in this competition, having won nine of the 16 previous encounters.

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