What goes around, Sir Alex

The world stopped, apparently, to watch Manchester United's pulsating second round tie with Real Madrid at Old Trafford, only for it to end in controversial circumstances.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir is central to Sir Alex Ferguson and much of Manchester's frustrations as result of his contentious decision to send off United winger Nani with the game delicately poised.

In the ten minutes following the dismissal, Madrid enjoyed their best spell and were clinical in dispatching two goals that saw them through to the quarter finals of the Champions League.

Ferguson was enraged by the sending off, galloping out of his technical area like a prize filly, ready to engage the fourth official in civil conversation hoping to receive an explanation as to why a decision has gone against him at Old Trafford, an occurrence that is unheard of.

United's assistant manager Mike Phelan was sent out to deal with the media following the game because Sir Alex was too 'distraught' to answer any questions.

It was Jose Mourinho, however, who hit the nail on head by saying that 'this is football' and how right he is. Sometimes decisions go against you and other times you get the rub of the green.

Certainly, United have a right to feel aggrieved by the decision but there is no amount of abuse and hateful comments that can be directed towards the ref which will alter the outcome of the game.

Also, it would be an understatement to say that Ferguson has had his fair share of luck during his tenure.

Whilst it may still be a little painful right now for United fans there is no doubt that Ferguson will use this sense of injustice as motivation for not only the rest of the season but also the next Champions League campaign.

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