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Fergie defends Utd medics after Hargreaves claims

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed his medical team after Owen Hargreaves' comments © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United's ''brilliant'' medical staff after Owen Hargreaves hit out at the treatment he received during four injury-plagued seasons at Old Trafford.

Hargreaves, who made an outstanding goalscoring debut for rivals Manchester City on Wednesday night, claimed he felt like a ''guinea pig'' as he was given several injections which he believes actually hindered his recovery.

But the United manager responded on Friday, saying that although he did not know the specifics of Hargreaves' treatment, he had complete faith in the club's doctors.

''We're trying to analyse all the stuff he has said and there will be a statement later to address that,'' Ferguson said. ''As far as I am concerned my medical staff is one of the main reasons why we have been so successful over the last few years.

''Do you think we would be successful if they were not 100% brilliant? Our doctor and his five physios are fantastic - that is my opinion and that is more important than what anyone else has to say about it.''

Later on Friday, United released the following statement: "Manchester United is disappointed with Owen's remarks after the game on Wednesday. The Club gave him the best possible care for three years and is as disappointed as anyone he was not able to play a part in the team's success at that time. It has shared all the medical records with Manchester City and is comfortable with the actions taken by its medical staff at each step of his many attempts at rehabilitation.

"United does not acknowledge any validity in the comments Owen is alleged to have made. Manchester United has some of the best sports medical staff in world sport, who have made a significant contribution to United's on-pitch success in recent seasons."

Hargreaves suffered from persistent tendinitis while at United, resulting in the player undergoing double knee surgery during the 2008-09 season.

Following the operations, Hargreaves played just six minutes of first-team football as he battled to regain fitness and was eventually released by United at the end of the last campaign.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.