Football: United's second-string Sepp snub

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Aug 10, 2008 | by SIMON MULLOCK

MANCHESTER United are ready to risk the wrath of FIFA by sending a weakened squad to the Club World Championship.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who still remembers how United were lambasted for refusing to defend the FA Cup so they could compete in the inaugural tournament in Brazil nine seasons ago, will go to Japan for 10 days in December as European champions.

But Ferguson will not allow the tournament to detract from United's bid for more glory at home and in Europe - even if his stance is likely to draw a furious response from FIFA president Sepp Blatter (left).

Ferguson, who hasn't forgiven Blatter for comparing Cristiano Ronaldo to a slave this summer, said: "I will have to be sensible when the Club World Championship comes around - and that means leaving players behind in England.

It is flattering to be going to Japan, but it's not ideal because we will have games on December 26 and 28 when we get home, followed by the FA Cup.

"So I will have to be careful about the players I pick to go.

"Much will depend on the form of the team and the players I have available through injuries and suspensions, but it is possible that I will leave a lot of our more senior players behind.

"Jet-lag becomes a problem when you return from the Far East so I will have to manage it in the right way and do what is good for Manchester United."