And he has equal respect for Manchester United whose decline has been rapid as suspensions and injuries have slashed the options for Sir Alex Ferguson at a critical stage of the season.

• 曼联由于伤病及停赛等原因使主教练弗格森在排兵布阵上捉襟见肘，因为曼联的战绩一路下滑，但皮雷对于曼练仍是非常尊重。