Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that that Chelsea have made things easier for United in the title race by failing to keep hold of Didier Drogba.
In a summer of discontent that has seen Arsenal striker Robin van Persie decide to forego signing a contract extension, United have had a relatively quiet summer so far. Manchester City have not made any significant forays in the market while United have snapped up Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa and the message has largely been one of continuity and progression from both sides.
But the United boss is not going to stay quiet until the start of the season and started the war of words with one of his erstwhile rivals by pointing out that Chelsea’s Champions League win would not have been possible without their talismanic forward. He revealed to the Daily Star that he is happy his side won’t face Drogba’s physical threat in the coming season especially as it has always troubled the Red Devils in the past.
Drogba, who joined Shanghai Shenhua in the aftermath of the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich in May, has continually been a thorn in the side for the wily old manager and it was his 29-goal haul in the 2009-10 season that allowed the Blues to pip United to the title by a single point. He also scored the only goal in the 2007 FA Cup final against United deep into extra time helping former manager Jose Mourinho win his final trophy with the club.
Ferguson said of the Chelsea forward:
“When you think of the season he’s just had, I must say it is a big boost for us that Drogba is leaving Chelsea,” Ferguson said in The People.
“He scored that fantastic goal in the final with two minutes to go and his goalscoring record in the big games, in big finals, is incredible.
“As far as I was concerned, he won the Champions League for Chelsea.”"
The west London club have not been idle, however, as Eden Hazard and Marko Marin were procured to beef up their midfield options over the summer. But with only Fernando Torres available as a striking option, it is uncertain if recently-confirmed manager Roberto di Matteo will be able to follow up on his continental exploits with a strong league challenge next season.
The Spanish hitman scored only six goals from 32 games in the preceding term and his tally is just one more than what Drogba achieved in his final season.
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