"Desperate" Times Call for "Desperate" Measures: Ferguson vs. Vieira

This latest feud between Sir Alex Ferguson and Patrick Vieira is quite comical indeed.  While the two Manchester clubs are currently locked in a battle for top of the league and EPL victory, they too are now locked in a war of words.

Earlier this week former French midfielder, and City football development executive, locked his horns in a battle of "mind games" with legend Sir Alex Ferguson.  

When discussing Paul Scholes to the Daily Telegraph, Vieira commented that Ferguson's decision to bring the 37-year-old midfielder out of retirement midseason wreaked of desperation.

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"For him [Scholes] to come back just shows a little bit of weakness in United, because they had to bring a player back who was 37."

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Sir Alex issued his rebuttal, stating, “If it’s desperation bringing back the best midfielder in Britain for the last 20 years then I think we can accept that.” 

The Manchester United manager continued his onslaught saying:

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"If you talk about desperation, they played a player the other night who refused to go on the pitch. The manager said he’d never play again and he takes a five-month holiday in Argentina. What is that? Could that come under the description of desperation?"

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This heated exchange is an outcome of the scrappy rivalry that is growing in Manchester.  With Manchester City as a legitimate title threat again, this cross-town rivalry is growing fiercely. 

But who won the war of the words?  First let's break this discussion down a bit.

I believe both have very valid viewpoints.  In my opinion, the decision to bring Scholes back into the squad in January was a desperate way for Manchester United to improve its midfield without breaking the bank in the transfer market.

I think many people assumed that Ferguson would have signed Wesley Sneijder to enhance his side for a long title run this season.  In the end, Ferguson resorted to an old (very old) familiar face.  

However, I am extremely surprised that Vieira would even make this statement as Ferguson's rebuttal is deadly accurate.  Carlos Tevez ostracised himself from the club early in the season.  Mancini's decision to include him in the 25-man roster in January was a complete shock after previously stating he would never player for Manchester City again.  

The decision to include Tevez was indeed a desperate gamble. However, City is in need of scoring, and Tevez already proved that he can make a difference when he set up Samir Nasri for a game-winning goal against Chelsea mid-week.  

I believe that both moves were a bit of a gamble and a bit desperate. However, each has low risk and high reward.  

Although nothing more should come from this bashing, all that should be learned from all this is that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Let the title race continue, it is bound to be a beautiful finish either way.