Ferguson Hopes For Quick Smith Return
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Alan Smith could return from his horrific injury in “six or seven months”.
The 25-year-old broke his leg and dislocated an ankle in the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool, injuries Ferguson said were among the worst he had seen.
But Ferguson said: “There is no doubt Alan will be back.”
“It was a terrible injury but there are a lot of things in Alan’s favour, particularly his courage and his age.”
Ferguson added: “It may take a little longer than a normal break because of the complications with his ankle joint but he should be back within six or seven months.”
“Smith suffered the injuries as he raced to charge down John Alan Rise’s free-kick after coming on as substitute in the closing stages of United’s 1-0 defeat at Anfield.
As well as ruling him out of United’s plans, it also wrecked Smith’s hopes of playing at the World Cup.
But Ferguson is full of admiration for Smith, saying: “It’s amazing to see the way Alan has handled it.”
“I went to see him on Monday and he was so philosophical about things. He just said ‘that’s football’ .”
“It is a very commendable attitude to have but people with character are like that and it will give him a better chance of recovery than a normal person.”
