Manager's reaction to draw at Old Trafford

Last updated : 22 February 2007 By Angus Muller

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected Arsene Wenger's suggestion that FA Cup replays should be scrapped.

Manchester United were forced into a second game by Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday, just as Arsenal must visit Blackburn if they are to reach this season's quarter-finals.

With a trip to the Madejski Stadium sandwiched in between Barclays Premiership away-days at Fulham and Liverpool, it is hardly an ideal situation for United as they continue their trophy challenge on three fronts.

However, while Ferguson can see merit in Wenger's argument, the United manager does not believe such a move would be of benefit to anyone other than the top four.

"Arsene is speaking for teams like ourselves, who are committed to Europe," he said.

"It is a fair point but I don't think it could apply to everyone. You cannot just take replays away. For some clubs it is part of their whole existence.

"Reading have come here today and got a draw that takes us back to their place. That is great for them."

Of more concern for Ferguson is to ensure the replay is played on a Tuesday rather than a Wednesday, having already complained a Saturday evening date this weekend has put United at a serious disadvantage to Lille for Tuesday's Champions League clash.

"Lille played Lyon last night, yet we have to play this evening. It is hardly fair," said Ferguson.

"Everyone expects us to do well but we do not get proper recognition of what we are trying to do in terms of when we should play."

Ferguson insisted his team selection was right even though, in addition to suspended striker Wayne Rooney, he left out a host of key men, including Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, while Henrik Larsson and Paul Scholes were only introduced late on, once Brynjar Gunnarsson had levelled Michael Carrick's first-half opener.

Louis Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo and Park Ji-sung all missed good chances, while stand-in Reading keeper Adam Federici denied Ronaldo and Larsson with brilliant late saves.

"I thought it was a good team performance, we just didn't finish off our chances," lamented Ferguson.

Having received such fierce criticism for pledging to play most of his fringe players, Royals boss Steve Coppell was far more forceful in backing the men who have taken the Berkshire outfit to the brink of their first quarter-final appearance since 1927.

"I cannot quite understand why people were questioning my team selection," said the former Manchester United FA Cup winner.

"These are the same lads I played in the previous round and included five internationals and someone - Adam Federici - who will probably be Australia's next goalkeeper.

"I think it was disrespectful to question their ranking within my squad."

Coppell also offered little sympathy for Wenger's argument.

"I am not bothered whether we have replays or not," said Coppell. "Whatever people decide I will go along with.

"I can see the situation from their point of view but the big four clubs are the ones with massive squads, to such an extent they loan lots of players out.

"Maybe, in the future, they shouldn't let so many players go."