Alex Ferguson hails Stoke fans

Posted Saturday, September 24, 2011 by thesun.co.uk

Alex Ferguson hails Stoke fans
PASSION ... Stoke fans get behind their team at the Britannia Stadium

Alex Ferguson says his Manchester United team must cope with the Stoke crowd today or risk being swamped and defeated.
The Brittania Stadium may only have a capacity of 28,000 — but the home support can produce a noise of three times that number.

And Fergie said: "I love the atmosphere because it makes players play. If you don't pay attention to the atmosphere at Stoke, then it engulfs you. You must perform to get a result.

"We know it's one of the important games we're going to have to navigate and hopefully we can do that."

The atmosphere combined with an on-pitch bombardment has already done for Liverpool this season and cost Chelsea two points. Ferguson is full of praise for Tony Pulis' men and how he has turned them from a Championship side into one now competing in the Europe.

He said: "They've played to their strength and there's nothing wrong with that.

"The progress Stoke have made over the last couple of years has been phenomenal.

"They've European football now and who would have thought that a few years ago?

"Stoke deserve it because they've got a good ambition there and fantastic support.

"Chelsea have gone there and drawn, Liverpool went there and lost and you can see what a tough job it is.

"You see the progress they're making. Every game they try to win, that's a great attitude."

Ferguson has been doing special work with keeper David de Gea to prepare for Rory Delap's long throw-ins and aerial onslaught.

He said: "I remember with Edwin van der Saar we used to discuss what his position would be in terms of the long throw-ins and where he was most comfortable to deal with the situation.

"We got it right and will do the same with David. All the work this week has been with his positioning."

Fergie will recall fit-again Rio Ferdinand, 32, to the side despite the form of young defensive stars Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, He said: "We're delighted with Smalling, Evans and Jones. The three of them have been magnificent.

"But there are occasions you bring in the experience Rio offers. It makes a difference."