Fergie Rules Out Amsterdam Return

Fuming
By Chris O'Brien
August 19 2006

Manchester United have ruled out a return to the Netherlands to participate in the Amsterdam Tournament. The Red Devils are the current holders of the well-respected pre-season trophy, but were left furious with suspensions picked up by Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes in a game against Porto.

Manchester United have ruled out a return to the Amsterdam Tournament following suspensions Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes picked up whilst competing in the prestigious pre-season tournament.

Both players were sent-off as United secured a 3-1 victory over Porto, but unlike in previous years the players were not 'safeguarded' from domestic bans and the duo will be unavailable for three Premiership matches.

Sir Alex Ferguson is furious with match referee Ruud Bossen for reporting the two incidents, and in a parting shot has vowed never to take his team back to the Netherlands to compete in the four-team tournament.

"We will not be playing in the Amsterdam tournament again, you can bet your life on that. In these situations it is down to the referee. You hope common sense is going to prevail." said the Scotsman.

"Instead he has reported it, then it has gone through the official channels and the FA has decided to take it up. We are disappointed but we just have to get on with it - that is the nature of our club."

United have twice competed in the tournament, coming third in 2002 before winning the silverware four years later. Victories over Porto and Ajax gave United a massive lift ahead of the new season, but the bans picked up by Rooney and Scholes and the injury to Michael Carrick did much to sour the success.

Rooney and Scholes will miss United's league encounters against Charlton, Watford and Spurs and their absence is sure to be a massive blow for the League Cup holders.