Ferguson accounts for nerves
Alex Ferguson has urged FA Cup final referee Rob Styles to take the ‘nerve factor’ into account during the opening stages of Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal.
Given the history of ill-feeling between the two camps and a barren campaign heading into the game, there are fears tempers will quickly boil over and the entire spectacle could be scarred by petty vendettas and personal feuds.
Much could depend on Styles’ ability to keep the fierce rivals in check, as Graham Poll did at Highbury in February.
On that occasion, Poll’s work started before the sides even emerged from the tunnel as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira squared up. The Tring official managed to restore order and went on to produce an almost perfect performance, even if he did end up booking six and dismissing Mikael Silvestre.
With so much at stake, the concerns over player behaviour are obvious. While Ferguson does not anticipate any major problems, he does believe Styles may need to use a bit of discretion and allow the game to find its level.
“You have to remember the players are human beings,” cautioned Ferguson. “It is a cup final and there are bound to be some nerves. The early parts of the game will be feisty, just as they were at Old Trafford and Highbury this season.”
