As the beer and wine flowed long into Saturday night a proposition was put forward that Fergie's effusive praise of Saints performance at Old Trafford was made partly because it may have been true but also because he knew we were playing his main rivals at home 10 days later. There is no doubt that his comments about Saints being the best team to visit Old Trafford this season were widely reported and it would certainly have been an additional motivating tool for our management to use.. Fergie is renowned for playing mind games, but mind games once removed as it were, seems an interesting development..
He said, in an interview the other day, that all the supposed mind games that he indulges in is overplayed by others. Actually, it wasn't a bad interview, so I'll put the link here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21386881
He knows what he's doing, for sure. I find it hard to believe we were really the best team to play at Old Trafford this season but as you say, he knew we were playing City soon and him saying that would boost our confidence.
He may not be fully aware himself that that is what he does, but I have no doubt it plays a big part in his success. He may actually believe it is overhyped, when if fact it could have a significant effect in manipulating the motivation of others.
Not sure how the mind games would actually help in this situation. In my view it may have tempted Mancini to send down his strongest side available and also may have been the reason that he played the players that may have been "Jaded". Which on this occasion may have helped our cause but who knows?
It is difficult to believe, I agree. However, the steward next to me in the second half was giving me his view throughout. It was interesting that he wasn't critical of United, but was fulsome in his praise of Saints. He had been watching games at OT for a few years, and told me that most teams just rolled over when they came. He was impressed with our style of play, and in particular how we upped our game after getting a bit of a battering first half. Ferguson chooses his words carefully. He will have known exactly what he was doing to Mancini's head. And if this screwed Mancini, then cheers Sir Alex!
I'm with BT on this. Think quite the opposite and that Sir AF comments would only make City more aware of our current form (in playing and not actual results).
I think Fergie was just being honest in his comments about us being the best team to visit OT this season. Honestly, some of you are so cynical.
It probably is overhyped. I mean it might have a little effect, but sometimes the way people talk about it, as if a game can be won or lost purely by what a manager says to the media, is just bizarre. It's just a made up aspect of the game which gives the media something else to talk about and sensationalize.
It's funny we all talk about Ferguson when the most memorable example of mind-games in recent years was performed by Mancini last season, saying the title race was over. It obviously inspired his players to prove him wrong and may have sowed some complacency amongst the United team. So whilst it's obvious that a manager's words to the media can't win games on their own, sport at the highest level is all about getting the faintest edge over your opponents, and I think they can provide that.
Feel free to shoot me down but AT THE TIME of his comments , I thought perhaps more A tribute to Nigel than the new man ? After Saturdays result , perhaps he meant it , but hope you can see what I mean ......
I think we can take it at face value with no ulterior motive. We played well and he complimented us...no need to look for a conspiracy. It would have been counterproductive anyway and alerted City.
Whats Uniteds record at home? I cant seem to remember them losing a game their this season, so to be the best wouldnt be SO hard. End of the day, Man City should still have the resources to smash us, can't really put our performance, or citys mistakes on what Fergie said, just a brilliant coincedence..
