BOLD TRAFFORD Fergie says ‘fantastic’ Jose is keeping cool to take United forward
SIr ALEX Ferguson believes Manchester United’s progress under Jose Mourinho is clear from the way the Portuguese coach has stopped blowing his top.
Mourinho was sent to the stands twice in six games in the first half of the season as United were held at home by Burnley and West ham — two of a number of draws that have hindered their title challenge.
Mourinho’s side are still only sixth in the table but his mood has improved significantly during a 17- match unbeaten run in all competitions.
‘I think Jose is finding solutions now,’ said Ferguson. ‘There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn’t getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. he is an emotional guy, there is no question about that.
‘It showed very much in terms of how Jose handled that part. You see him now. he is calm and in control. That is the obviousious observation I am makingng of the team now.
‘The team is mirroring its manager. It is playing with great energy, determination and will to win, which I think is really important.
‘ If they hadn’t hadd all these draws, theyey would be there challengingging Chelsea. That is the unfortu-nfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that. But I think he will be inspired by the progress of the team.’
Ferguson highlighted Wayne rooney’s determination to restart the game after scoring a late equaliser at Stoke on Saturday instead of celebrating his record-breaking 250th goal for United.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: ‘Did you see what rooney did? ran to the halfway line. No celebration. Pointed to the ball. Get the ball. We are going to win this. That is exactly the spirit Jose has created. he has done fantastic.
‘Like all United teams, they played to the last kick of the ball. They never gave in and they got their rewards.’
Ferguson admitted he never thought rooney would break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record and doubts the United captain’s total will now be beaten.
‘Jose has mentioned Marcus rashford and there is an opportunity for that young lad if he stays at United and develops his potential the way that Wayne has,’ he said. ‘ It is possible but it is a very big target to hit.’
reflecting on rooney’s £27million signing in the summer of 2004, Ferguson recalled having to haggle with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright — as well as his mother.
‘Bill Kenwright gets on his phone, hands me it and says, “it’s my mother — she wants to talk to you”. She says, “don’t you dare steal my boy (rooney)!” I couldn’t believe it.’
Meanwhile, United will relocate 2,600 season- ticket holders to accommodate 300 new spaces for disabled supporters — in a precedent-setting move that will cost the club millions. United group managing director richard Arnold revealerevealed ‘cost was not an issueissue’ and told Sportsmail: ‘ThisTh was about doing the r right thing. It is something we believe in.’ Plans announced yyesterday will mean a reduction in Old Trafford capacity from 776,000 to around 73,000 wwhich, coupled with coconstruction costs and revrevenue loss, will see the bill runru into seven figures. United will make the disabled spaces available by August in line with the Accessible Stadia guidelines and a deadline set by the Premier League.
The design will incorporate reversible platforms and from next season 100 of the 300 new positions created will be used for Premier League and some cup games.
Fans who are forced to relocate to more expensive seats will see the price difference paid for by the club for a season and will also be given free tickets to cup games.
however, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have called for that period to be extended.
‘We have already expressed our view to the club that no supporter who is compulsorily relocated should suffer any financial loss,’ said a spokesman. ‘We urge the club to extend the one-year price freeze. We believe it is reasonable to offer a price match guarantee to all relocated fans.’
responding to that comment, Arnold said: ‘It’s a heartbreaking situation and I do feel for the fans that are affected.
‘It certainly wasn’t something we have taken lightly. There is a comprehensive plan to find them a new home and to find them seats alongside people they have sat next to previously.
‘I don’t think there is anything we could do that softens the blow notwithstanding the goodwill package. It’s a horrible sacrifice and something we are sensitive to.’
United were caught between a rock and a hard place by the guidelines which apply to new stadia and those like Old Trafford, which are more than 100 years old.
Their move is likely to set a precedent and crank up pressure on other Premier League clubs whose grounds do not comply with the criteria. The work will take place over three seasons.
Arnold added: ‘To have the compliant number of spaces available is a great achievement and something we not only believe was the right thing to do, but are proud to be able to be provide to the disabled community.’
James Taylor, spokesman for disability charity Scope, said: ‘This is good news, Manchester United’s commitment to disabled fans could be a game changer. We’d like more clubs to follow suit.
‘We know it can be incredibly difficult for disabled fans to watch Premier League football live.’