Sir Alex Ferguson, "I find it strange when Newcastle sacked Bobby Robson there was an outcry that they had got rid of so much experience. Now suddenly in Manchester experience counts for nothing - it's weird. But I will survive and so will Manchester United.
"There certainly hasn't been a shortage of theories put forward, explanations have ranged from the wrong tactics to the idea that I have somehow gone past my sell-by date. Everybody has to have a reason. There's nothing wrong with that because opinions and debate are key factors in football but, from where I stand as manager, they don't always stack up.
"I accept that if you are not playing well and players are missing chances, the five in midfield can look as if you are lacking intent to win. But pushing two right up is not the answer if you are struggling. Our weakness has been much more basic. It boils down to missing too many chances and there you have a problem that defies explanation."