Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly failed in an attempt to take advantage of a little known FA Cup rule to avoid a possible replay, ahead of his side’s fourth round clash with Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.The Scot had reportedly tried to exploit Football Association’s Rule 11a, which states that a game can go into extra-time rather than be replayed, as long as the two clubs involved agree ahead of the game.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United were planning to discuss the rule with Tottenham with a view to invoking it ahead of their game.
However these discussions were aborted after David Gill, the club’s chief executive, discovered that any agreement must be made within a week of the draw.
Speaking about the rule, Ferguson revealed that he had not heard of it previously and revealed how it would work.
“Someone has informed me I could apply to the FA to have extra-time,” he said, “It’s an interesting one. I’ve never heard of his in my life. But it’s always been there. It’s in the articles of the association that both teams can apply to have the game decided and notify the referee before the game.”
Should the two clubs have invoked the rule they would undoubtedly have come in for criticism, which Ferguson admitted he would expect but clearly feels would not be justified.
“The criticism would be that we’re not adhering to the principles of the FA Cup or the spirit of it – but why have the FA got it [the rule] in there? It’s their problem. It’s their fault, really.”
With both United and Tottenham struggling with injuries, their clash is likely to see both sides fielding weakened teams.
The Red Devils are missing eight first team regulars through injury, whilst Harry Redknapp admitted earlier this week he would play a weak team as he concentrates on Premier League survival.
Resource: Goal.com
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