Fergie slams fans

15 september 2006, 15:05

Koen Freriks

Years after being criticized by Roy Keane, Manchester United fans have come under fire again - this time from Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was six years ago that Keane accused sections of the Old Trafford crowd, asking whether those in the corporate hospitality areas actually understood the game of football. He then added his now notorious prawn sandwich charge:

"At home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch."

Now his former manager has expressed his exasperation at the crowd following the match against Celtic in the Champion's League, during which the atmosphere was as good inside Old Trafford as many can remember.

Ferguson explained, "I keep saying I wished every team could bring 6,000 fans with them like Celtic because it does create a competitive element between the fans."

Ferguson added: "On Saturdays they come here and half of them are sleeping, waiting to be entertained." I think back to some of the great Wednesday nights - electric. We need that more often.

"We have to get that atmosphere right throughout the seasons. Some weekends they come here to be entranced, to see magic.

"But we need their spirit to ignite the team at times. It should not always been the other way around. A fan can stir his team."