It’s sour grapes for Man U boss Ferguson

Manchester United's Manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds at the end of the Premier League match against Stoke City at the Britania Stadium, at Stoke on Trent in Britain on Saturday. (FILE)

Published Sunday, September 25, 2011

By AFP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Peter Crouch as a ‘persistent fouler’ after the beanpole striker rescued a point for Stoke in a 1-1 draw against the champions.

Crouch equalised for the home side, his first goal since joining Stoke for a club record £10 million in the summer, cancelling out a first-half strike from Nani as United dropped points for the first time this season.

But Ferguson claimed that the 6ft 7in forward is a persistent fouler.

“Crouch fouls all the time, he gets huffy but he jumps on top of defenders all the time,” said Ferguson.

“He has been doing that for years, referees know that. He may be caught Phil Jones for the goal but he is a definitely a handful in the air.”

Crouch strikes to frustrate Man Utd