Fergie hits back at Mourinho

Sir Alex Ferguson today launched an astonishing counter attack against Jose Mourinho and Chelsea over the Carling Cup referee row.

As the Football Association announced they were set to take action against the Chelsea manager and skipper John Terry over their criticisms of Neale Barry, Ferguson rounded on Mourinho for claims he tried to influence the match official.

The Manchester United manager's comments are certain to reignite the mind games between the two bosses ahead of the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on 26 January.

Ferguson said: "I think Mourinho has opened a can of worms for himself."

And in a clear reference to what he regarded as Porto's diving during last season's Champions League clash with United, when Mourinho was in charge at the Portuguese club, Ferguson said: "We remember what happened in Porto."

He went on: "But I don't think his comments have anything to do with what happened on Wednesday. It was more about trying to influence the referee for tomorrow's game against Tottenham.

"What I find more interesting are John Terry's comments when he says the referee wouldn't listen to him.

"I ask the question 'why would he listen to him?'. Is he saying he can influence other referees? I have never heard a captain come out with comments like that before."

Following Wednesday's first leg 0- 0 draw, Mourinho claimed Ferguson tried to influence Barry at half-time by speaking to him in the tunnel.

Then, last night, in an interview with Chelsea TV, Mourinho went further saying: "Sir Alex was really clever, if you can say that, at half-time by putting some pressure on the ref. In the second half, it was whistle and whistle, fault and fault and cheat and cheat."

It is those comments which the FA are now investigating.