"The 1994 United team could not only play, but had great
mental strength. They were unlucky because, at the time, you
could only play three foreigners in Europe.
"The team of '99, ability-wise, was probably a little bit
better than that one, but didn't have the mental power. So
we keep using that as a reference point. The '99 team didn't
like being told that, but that is what the challenge to them
was.
"You should never be afraid of challenge. Ability-wise, the
present team is probably a bit better than the '99 team."
Fergie also included what may be a little message to those
attempting to make life difficult for him at the moment:
"The important thing is to be true to yourself, true to your
real friends, trust them as they trust you.
"When you have that small band of people about you, there is
no need to worry about the rest of the world."