Alex Ferguson would have to dig deep into Manchester United’s much-vaunted playing resources to produce a team capable of beating Spurs at Old Trafford that weekend. Midfield international action had left Ferguson with a worrying injury list including midfielder Paul Ince and Ireland full-back Denis Irwin.
And both the players were not happy with the fact they were going to miss out on the next fixture with Ince frustrated about the double blow as well.
Paul Ince said “It was bad enough losing in that way to Holland but to come home with a double injury adds up to the whole thing being a real sickener.”
Denis Irwin said “I took a bad knock on the thigh but I am hoping another 24 hours will do a lot for the injury.”