RVP could have been killed

Swansea.
Ferguson has also called for Swansea’s Ashley Williams to be given a long suspension after an ugly incident that “could have killed” Van Persie.

The Manchester United forward was lying flat on the turf after a 74th-minute foul when Williams slammed the ball into the back of his head from point-blank range, sparking a furious reaction from Van Persie and players from both sides.

Ferguson branded the Wales defender’s action “the most dangerous thing I’ve seen on a football field for many years”.

He added: “He could have been killed. Williams should be banned for a long time.”
Both players were booked during the 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium but Ferguson insisted Williams (28) should face a hefty FA sanction.

“It was absolutely deliberate,” the United manager told Sky Sports. “The whistle has gone, the game has stopped and he has done that right in front of the referee — he could have killed the lad. It was a disgraceful act.”

The FA can only charge Williams if referee Michael Oliver claims he did not see the incident.
However, as the official booked both players, that is highly unlikely.

Williams attempted to play down the incident, saying: “I tried to clear the ball, but it hit him on the head. He was obviously a bit angry about that. It was much ado about nothing.”

Asked later if he thought the ball was live, Williams added: “No. I tried to apologise but there wasn’t much time. I didn’t see him afterwards. I just lashed at the ball and I understand why he is angry but it is not like I am going to shoot and hit him square on the head.”

He later tweeted: “Obviously the RVP incident was unintentional. #overreaction”.
Wayne Rooney, who was right next to the incident, did not share his manager’s views that Williams’ act was intentional.

He said: “It’s one of those things. The whistle’s gone, the defender has gone to clear and it’s hit him in the head. I think probably it’s the right decision from the referee.”

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup said: “There were a lot of players there and I didn’t see it. I think Ferguson didn’t mean killing him literally. Things happen in a game.”

The ugly scenes detracted from a thrilling draw. Patrice Evra had put United ahead after 16 minutes but Michu hit back for Swansea with his 13th Premier League strike 13 minutes later. United twice hit the frame of the goal as they tried and failed to restore their six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

Ferguson said: “We absolutely battered them and we are very unlucky. It should have been a foul for us in the build-up to their goal. I know he’s a young referee but dear me, what a performance. It should be a six-point gap and that’s the disappointment.”

Laudrup added: “Last season there was maybe too much respect — the players had only seen Manchester United on the TV and were suddenly playing them. This year it was very different. I’m so happy for the players, staff and fans.”

As for the game itself, Michu’s 13th goal of the season, after 29 minutes, cancelled out Evra’s 16th-minute header from van Persie’s corner.

Ferguson was also less than pleased with Rooney, who was substituted in the 78th minute after a lacklustre display.

“He didn’t play well, it’s as simple as that,” said the Scot, who added his team should have cantered to a victory which would have restored their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
“It’s unbelievable we didn’t win the match,” said Ferguson.

“It was a great performance in the second half. If I had a criticism, it was that the final ball let us down. We missed two or three great opportunities, but I have no criticism about the performance. It was very good.”

There were no complaints from Swansea manager Laudrup, who lavished praise on the way his side battled back to level the game.

He said: “They started better than us. They scored and they had a five to 10-minute spell when they could have scored a second.

“We came back and equalised and I thought the first half was equal. It was more of an open game in the second half and it could have gone either way.

“They had more chances than us, but that’s normal for a side that’s top of the table. It’’s a great point for the players and the club.

“I heard we showed too much respect for them last season, but that certainly wasn’t the case this year.

“We can enjoy this for 24 hours because on Tuesday we have to think about Reading and for me, that game is more important. If we win and go to 27 points, that would be fantastic.”

On the incident between Williams and van Persie, Laudrup said: “I did not see it at the time as there were a lot of players involved, but I saw it afterwards.

“I don’t think he (Ferguson) meant literally killing him. Things happen in a game and I am sure Ashley and van Persie shook hands at the final whistle and we move on.

“When your pulse is on 180 then you can say things during the game you don’t mean, but then afterwards it is back to normal.”

Michu may have cancelled out Evra’s header, but the French defender was still happy with his goal.
“It was another header and I don’t think it’s an accident anymore,” said the former Monaco leftback.
“I have started to believe, so when we have a corner kick, I will always put myself in the right place.

To be fair, I always get a good delivery from Wayne or, in this match, van Persie.”
And Van Persie’s impact at Manchester United has been similar to the stunning transformation brought about by the signing of Eric Cantona, according to manager Ferguson.

Dutch striker Van Persie has scored 15 goals since signing from Arsenal, drawing comparisons with Frenchman Cantona whose arrival at Old Trafford was the catalyst for United to win the league title for the first time in 26 years.

“I reckon here at Manchester United we got our Christmas present early — right at the start of the season in fact whenRobin van Persie arrived at Old Trafford,” Ferguson has written in the programme for tomorrow’s home game against Newcastle United.

“I am reluctant to subscribe to the cult of an individual because I firmly believe the essence of a successful football team depends on teamwork, and neither are we a one-man team, but sometimes there really is a situation where you are lucky enough to find the last piece of the jigsaw.”

Cantona was signed from Leeds United for 1,2 million pounds in 1992 with Ferguson’s team languishing in eighth place in the table.

But he galvanised the side with his flair and a regular supply of goals, his arrogance and charisma inspiring a team who went on to win the 1993 title by 10 points, the first of Ferguson’s 12 Premier League crowns.

“We did it when we brought Eric Cantona to Old Trafford where he proved to be the right player at the right club at the right time,” Ferguson said.

“He became the catalyst and springboard for our surge to success.
“It doesn’t have to be signing someone for a record fee. Cristiano Ronaldo was not a record buy either but he certainly made a difference as he prospered with us to the extent that he came to be regarded by a lot of people as the world’s best player,” added Ferguson.

Van Persie has formed a prolific attacking partnership with Wayne Rooney which has lifted United four points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course for a 20th English title.

They lost out to neighbours Manchester City on goal difference last season after the teams finished level on points at the end of the 38-match campaign. — AFP.