SIR Alex Ferguson blasted referees who he claims are ''robbing'' the football public of entertainment and laid into journalists who are letting them get away with it!

Fergie was furious during the game when the fourth official signalled four added minutes after a second half littered with stoppages - and his rant continued in the post-match press conference: ''All you smart-alecs out there, do none of you take the times of these games?

''Buy yourselves a stop-watch, time the game and stop it - that's your bloody job. The people are getting robbed of entertainment out there. Four minutes? It was a joke.

''It was 14 minutes at least - there were four injuries at least, four substitutions and every time there was a goal kick big Peter was taking a minute to get the ball. If we had got the proper time we would probably have won it.''

Opposing manager John Gregory also complained about the referee's time-keeping - he felt there was too much! And he was desperately disappointed that his side had not sewn up the game.

''We had opportunities to seal it 2-0 or 3-0 and there would have been no way back for United,'' said Gregory.

''But we were playing against the best side in the country - they kept the ball exceptionally well and you expect them to come back at you. They are such a quality side that they never, ever admit defeat.

''Alex brought on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Andy Cole, people who can turn games in the last few seconds, as Bayern Munich found out.''

Carroll debut

Fergie handed Roy Carroll a debut after Fabien Barthez damaged a hamstring in training on Saturday, as the frustrated manager explained: ''He did it playing outfield in a game, in the very last minute of training. He likes to play in these little games and got carried away.

''But I thought Roy did very well - he was strong and brave and made a couple of good saves - he looks like he has got a good future.''

Gregory was disappointed for Schmeichel, who he felt deserved to be on the winning team, and Fergie agreed his former keeper had been outstanding: ''He made two or three fantastic saves, and it was a big game for him.

He said: ''Some people don't realise how big a game it was for him. The career he had with us made it a big game and he was fantastic.

''I told John Gregory before the game Peter will give him ten points extra this season with his experience and presence, and demanding the players in front of him. It is a great signing for him.''

But United did finally breach a dogged Villa defence and Schmeichel's resistance, albeit with an own goal.

Said Fergie: ''We have that quality to keep going right to the end - we have proved it time and time again.''

And the manager was pleased at signs that the defence is finally finding its feet: ''Our two centre backs did a hard job well - it's not easy to play one to one, with the ball going into the channels all the time.''

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