BLAME NIGEL WINTERBURN

From The Sunday Times:

"When I first saw the penalty I thought it was really soft but we ’ve analysed it time and again since and Campbell’s leg is stretched out, over 2ft high, and the ball’s on the ground. So what does Rooney do? Does he have to hurdle the leg? Does he have to try and go under it? Campbell’s toe touches Wayne’s knee, there’s no question about that. I don’t blame Wayne for anything," said Ferguson.

"If I was Campbell’s manager I’d ask the question ‘What the hell were you thinking about?’ It was a stupid challenge. I’ve always condemned diving and I’ve never had players who go down easy. Ryan Giggs won his first ever penalty for Manchester United last season! You think of the amount of times he’s been challenged in the box and stumbles on . . .

"The second penalty in last Sunday’s game (when Cole fouled Ronaldo) was stonewall, and what about the game in April (when United and Arsenal drew 1-1 at Highbury)? Arsenal would never have got their unbeaten record if we’d got the penalty we were due that day when Giggsy was brought down."

Ferguson’s verdict on which side lobbed the first grenade will not surprise anyone. "This is something that’s been going on for a long time and Nigel Winterburn started it all when he taunted Choccy Brian McClair."

The manager referred to an FA Cup tie at Highbury in February 1988 when, with Arsenal leading 2-1, United were awarded a last-minute penalty and, as McClair waited to take it, Winterburn tried to put him off. McClair ballooned the spot kick, and as he trudged back to the centre circle the defender followed in pursuit, goading him about the miss. Ill-feeling between the pair was at the centre of the first ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ two years later when a 21-man brawl erupted after which Arsenal were docked two points, and United one, and both clubs were fined.