Old Trafford boss once again proves his credentials when it comes to mind games as he picks apart struggling Anfield opposition.
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Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Fernando Torres of trying to get John O’Shea sent off during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool.
United appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory at Old Trafford when Dimitar Berbatov scored his second goal just before the hour mark, but Liverpool hit back to draw level.
Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot after Jonny Evans brought down Torres, who was then fouled by O’Shea for the free-kick which allowed Liverpool to equalise.
O’Shea was booked for the incident on the edge of the penalty area, but Ferguson believes Torres was trying to convince referee Howard Webb to show a red card to the United full-back.
“Liverpool didn’t offer anything really, did they?” said the United manager.
“They depended on two decisions from the referee and linesman to get them back in the game – a penalty kick and a free-kick.
“I’ve watched the free-kick since and Torres definitely made a meal of it [John O'Shea's challenge]. There’s absolutely no doubt. He tried to get our player sent off.” (Sky Sports)
Sir Alex Ferguson may well be good friends with Anfield boss Roy Hodgson but it seems that this little fact will do nothing to save Liverpool Football Club from something of a battering from the Old Trafford boss. It would be a little harsh to say that Fernando Torres made a meal of John O’Shea’s challenge but this could well be just another example of supreme mind games as such a statement cleverly deflects discussion of the issue about whether the Irishman should have been sent off for hauling down the Spaniard.
The fact that O’Shea then put the ball into the box for the excellent Dimitar Berbatov to complete his hat-trick only further complicates the issue. However it is probably accurate, if a tad excessive, to state that the Merseyside outfit offered little over all in the way of an attacking threat and this is something Hodgson will have to resolve, and fast, if he is looking to help Liverpool back into the top four.