Son Darren puts a smile on old Fergie’s face

Darren Ferguson revealed Peterborough’s promotion to the Championship had put a smile back on his father’s face after Manchester United’s chastening Champions League defeat against Barcelona.

The son of United manager Sir Alex steered Posh to their third promotion in four seasons with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Huddersfield at Old Trafford after late goals from Tommy Rowe, Craig Mackail-Smith and captain Grant McCann.

Ferguson senior was not present to witness his son’s victory but shortly after the game the London Road manager spoke to his father, whose United side were outclassed in losing 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday night.

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Peterborough boss Ferguson – a former United player – said: “It’s the best day of my career, both as a player and as a manager. After Saturday night, with my dad losing, I wanted to get this win to put a smile back on his face. I’ve just spoken to him, and I’ve certainly done that, so I’m pleased and he’s delighted. It was obviously a big weekend for the family and there were always going to be three different possibilities.

“The way it’s turned out, at least one of us has got a win.”

Ferguson, 39, jokingly claimed his father was a “jinx” after his side had lost a number of games that the Red Devils boss had attended.

“He came to the play-off semi-final first leg at MK Dons and we got beaten,” said Ferguson, whose side make an immediate return to the second tier. “He’s not seen me win for a while, but he stayed away from the second leg and we won, so we decided he would stay away from this one.”

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The result further restored Ferguson’s reputation after he was sacked by Preston in December after leaving London Road in November 2009 before returning for a second spell earlier this year. Since Ferguson’s sacking at Deepdale, Preston went down and Peterborough have gone up.

“I’m not a bitter man,” said Ferguson. “You have ups and downs in your life and you have to deal with that.

“I’ve done that in my own way and I definitely learned more at Preston than I have in my other years as a manager.

“I could have gone into my shell and not come back for a while, but I was determined to succeed as a manager. I’m lucky. I’ve won three promotions and some managers don’t win any.”

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Peterborough were worthy victors, although their late flurry of goals came after Huddersfield had enjoyed a period of sustained pressure.

“The thing that won us the game was that we didn’t concede,” said Ferguson, who revealed Mackail-Smith’s 35th goal of the season is almost certain to be his last.

Several clubs are courting the Scotland striker, who caused the Huddersfield defence untold problems all afternoon.

“You would have to say the odds are stacked with him probably leaving,” said Ferguson. “We would have to get the right money for him but everyone would wish him all the best. He’s earned the chance to go and play at a higher level. We need other players and we have to try and establish ourselves in the Championship.”

At the final whistle Ferguson warmly embraced Huddersfield counterpart Lee Clark, who could not hide his disappointment after the game.

Manchester United: Page 4.