While I don't disagree with the thrust of the article ie Ferguson should learn to be a bit more gracious in defeat, the creation of a bunker mentality of "everyone hates us and will cheat us" has always been part of the Ferguson philosophy from when he was Aberdeen manager. At Aberdeen it was the Glasgow-based media and Old Firm-biased referees who were the biggest target, while in Manchester it is referees again and certain sections of the media though this is slightly more difficult when you have such a sycophantic press. The irony of Ferguson complainign about players surrounding the ref will not be lost on anyone who witnessed his Aberdeen captain, Willie Miller, acting as referees advisor in almost every match he played.

Ferguson should learn to be more gracious in defeat but he probably doesn't want to.

Yes Fergusons always been the biggest believer of his own hype.

The media has often praised his "mind games" and his "hair-dryer treatment" down the years but the truth is he's underchieved in Europe for Man Utd considering theyve had most of the financial muscle and a large batch of good youth players that he inherited from the youth team. 2 Champions Leagues and 1 Cup Winners Cup is poor return for 20 years in which Man Utd monopolised English football.

Any comparisons to Matt Busby, Jock Stein and Paisley are preposterous these men actually would have admitted to learn from foreign opponents - something Ferguson is too concieted to ever do

"Ferguson should learn to be more gracious in defeat but he probably doesn't want to".

I don't think he could if he wanted to. Graciousness - rather like humility- is simply not part of his DNA.

when you have to take lessons in humility from the likes of Uli Hoeness then you are in a pretty poor place

I could fully understand Ferguson's bitter and twisted rant. He is after all a "Typical Scot" isn't he?

No great fan of SAF, apart from having the greatest of respect for his achievements, but at the same time this reminds me of a quote from Paul Newman (actor/racer) who said "Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser"

Hardly anyone in the media seems to have mentioned the incredible hypocrisy of Ferguson; for years Man U have been the masters of surrounding the ref and influencing him - just typical Fergie!

Ludicrous premise for an article, hardly comparing like with like.

Fergie hates losing a game of cards.Its inate within him and a big reason why he is a true winner.

Okay, fair enough that "typical Germans" is a sign of someone chewing on sour grapes, but at the same time, the lack of sportsmanship shown by the Bayern players was shocking. I'm not saying United are angels (see pic: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-i...-a-010.jpg), but it did leave a bad taste in the mouth.

That said, Rooney should have come off earlier and bringing Giggs on with 20 minutes to go wasn't going to do anything for United's chances. The guy is over the hill.