Ferguson hits back at Mancini for calling Manchester United "lucky"

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hit back at Roberto Mancini for calling United “lucky”. Ferguson’s men have a 12-point lead over their rivals and Mancini claimed that it was not because of United’s class, but because of luck.

“We’re dead lucky,” said Ferguson, in a sarcastic tone. “We have only been doing it for 25 years. It is a terrible habit. Maybe he (Mancini) is lucky they are only 12 points behind.”

The Red Devils face Norwich in the Premier League before going into the second leg of the Champions League with Real Madrid. Sir Alex saw Real Madrid destroy Barcelona in the Spanish Cup and was impressed by their performance.

“They were absolutely brilliant, with Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and Mesut Ozil so good on the counter-attack.

“But we already knew Madrid are one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe. That is what we will be up against on Tuesday and that is what our preparations are centring around.

“We have to make sure their counter-attacking doesn’t kill us.”