• Premier League

Ferdinand hits back at Mourinho

ESPN staff
August 19, 2013
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United proved their doubters wrong with a 4-1 victory at Swansea © Getty Images
Enlarge

Rio Ferdinand has responded to Jose Mourinho's criticism of Manchester United's title-winning team by insisting that it will fuel the champions' quest for further success.

Mourinho had compared Sir Alex Ferguson's side last season unfavourably with Arsenal's 'Invincibles' of 2003-04 and his own Chelsea side who won back-to-back titles in the following two seasons.

But defender Ferdinand feels United are not given enough credit for their achievements and believes they have already confounded their doubters by winning their opening Premier League game, 4-1 at Swansea.

"That's his first soundbite of the season," he said. "So we expect it. It seems every next person is tipping someone else to win the league and putting us in third or fourth place. It happens every year. We aren't favourites for the league most years.

"If you believe what people have been saying, we would have come away with zero points at Swansea

"Is it a siege mentality here? Yes, because you are professional people and you want to win.

"I think a lot of people expected it [United to lose] - and even wanted it. We've seen that from the vibe all week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices