Sir Alex Ferguson says that watching the Champions League semi-finals this week was “absolute agony,” as Bayern Munich and Inter Milan books slots in the Madrid final. Ferguson, whose side lost to Munich earlier this month, saw favourites Barcelona defeated by Jose Mourinho’s Italians and Bayern overcome Lyon in France this week.
“It has been absolute agony watching the matches,” said Ferguson.
“But that is what happens when you are not in it. You have to watch it on TV.
“Undoubtedly not being in the Champions League helps our preparation for the weekend but I know what I would rather have. The ordeals of playing on a Wednesday and then a Saturday are exactly what you want here. We have got to have it.”
Ferguson’s team plays Sunderland on Wearside this weekend, with Chelsea at Liverpool on Sunday lunchtime. With United just a point behind the Londoners, any slip by Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea could bring the Premier League title to Old Trafford for a fourth season in a row.
Anything other than at win at the Stadium of Light and Ferguson – together with United’s supporters – will surely face more agony come the season’s final fixture on May 9.