Oh we're not Press-ed up - again

[Simon Page]

I always feel like Richard Herring on International Women's Day when the subject of Man Utd in the World Club Championships comes up, but never tire of it so here goes:

England were bidding for the 2006 Word Cup. FIFA introduced its World Club Championships and demanded the inclusion of the European Champions. Man Utd said they didn't want to take part. FIFA got a bottom lip, then the FA and Tony Banks (then Sport Minister) put pressure on the club because it would hinder the World Cup bid if they refused, so Man Utd said they'd do it but wouldn't appear in the FA Cup 3rd Round taking place at roughly the same time. For such a usually classless - or at least solipsistic - club they acted impeccably. I hope the Villa would have done the same.

[four fornicholl]

I always feel like Richard Herring on International Women's Day when the subject of Man Utd in the World Club Championships comes up, but never tire of it so here goes:

England were bidding for the 2006 Word Cup. FIFA introduced its World Club Championships and demanded the inclusion of the European Champions. Man Utd said they didn't want to take part. FIFA got a bottom lip, then the FA and Tony Banks (then Sport Minister) put pressure on the club because it would hinder the World Cup bid if they refused, so Man Utd said they'd do it but wouldn't appear in the FA Cup 3rd Round taking place at roughly the same time. For such a usually classless - or at least solipsistic - club they acted impeccably. I hope the Villa would have done the same.

I've never considered Man U classless, Liverpool however?

[dave.woodhall]

I can't imagine a planet where Manchester United behave with more dignity than Liverpool.

[brian green]

The words "dignity" and "Manchester United" are mutually exclusive.