MORE FROM GARY
‘Manchester United have made a habit down the years of scoring late and dramatic goals but now I know what it is like to be on the receiving end. It is a sickening feeling and, fortunately, one that I have only experienced a few times in a United shirt. The European Cup semi-final defeat by Bayer Leverkusen a couple of years ago or the day we failed to win the title away to West Ham United in 1995 are the only occasions that can compare.
‘The timing of FC Porto’s goal was what made it such a cruel blow and we deserved better. Until then, it had been exactly the sort of performance I had hoped for. Of course, you want to win 3-0 or 4-0 but, after our recent form, a
defiant 1-0 victory would have done wonders for our confidence. Instead, we suffer a kick in the teeth.
‘Their equaliser was the sort of bad break we have been getting used to in recent weeks and there is no denying that the defence has gone through a difficult time. A couple of months ago, we were four points clear at the top of the table with the best defensive record in the Premiership.
‘We were back in training yesterday and we can’t feel sorry for ourselves, definitely not with our next game against Manchester City on Sunday. My sending-off against them a few weeks ago is looking more and more stupid because we need everyone to be sticking together at a time like this. It will really hurt me not being able to put things right.
‘People are saying that our season is over but we cannot afford to think like that. It is a time for courage and bravery, to stand up and be counted because, whether it works for us or not, we need to put pressure on Arsenal. No one should be given an easy run to the title and if anyone is going to stop them it is us.’
‘The timing of FC Porto’s goal was what made it such a cruel blow and we deserved better. Until then, it had been exactly the sort of performance I had hoped for. Of course, you want to win 3-0 or 4-0 but, after our recent form, a
defiant 1-0 victory would have done wonders for our confidence. Instead, we suffer a kick in the teeth.
‘Their equaliser was the sort of bad break we have been getting used to in recent weeks and there is no denying that the defence has gone through a difficult time. A couple of months ago, we were four points clear at the top of the table with the best defensive record in the Premiership.
‘We were back in training yesterday and we can’t feel sorry for ourselves, definitely not with our next game against Manchester City on Sunday. My sending-off against them a few weeks ago is looking more and more stupid because we need everyone to be sticking together at a time like this. It will really hurt me not being able to put things right.
‘People are saying that our season is over but we cannot afford to think like that. It is a time for courage and bravery, to stand up and be counted because, whether it works for us or not, we need to put pressure on Arsenal. No one should be given an easy run to the title and if anyone is going to stop them it is us.’