Ferguson ready to hire Sbragia

Alan Nixon
Wednesday 20 November 2002 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to shake up his Manchester United back-room staff with a surprise move for the coach Ricky Sbragia.

The Old Trafford manager has decided to act after a run of indifferent results and will reshape his team – with Mike Phelan being promoted in the ensuing reshuffle.

The Scottish coach Sbragia, a former Walsall and York City defender, who has been a key member of the staff at Sunderland in recent years, is earmarked to take charge of United's reserves. That would release Phelan to work exclusively with the Manchester United first team.

Phelan's input could help United to turn the corner – adding to the European experience of Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach Ferguson brought in last summer.

Sbragia, who was discussing the move last night, will leave Howard Wilkinson one man short at Sunderland and that vacancy may be filled by another Scot, Jocky Scott. The former Dundee and Notts County manager was a surprise face on the bench with Sunderland's reserves for a game at Everton last night.

David Batty, frozen out of the Leeds United midfield under the managership of Terry Venables, has aggravated a chronic patella tendon problem which will make him unavailable for about six weeks.

Leeds' 19-year-old midfield prospect Jamie McMaster has joined Coventry City on a one-month loan deal.

Patrik Berger, the Liverpool midfielder, is being assessed by the club's medical staff after suffering a knee injury in Monday's reserve match at Birmingham.

Aston Villa's goalkeeper, Peter Enckelman, has signed an extended contract which runs until June 2006.

Leicester City will not allow Millwall fans to attend the First Division game between the two clubs at the Walkers Stadium on 14 December. The decision has been made in the interests of public safety after discussions with Leicestershire police. Leicester fans were excluded from the Foxes' match against Millwall at the New Den last Saturday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in