Ferguson dodges David de Gea criticism

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was reluctant to criticise goalkeeper David de Gea following his performance in Sunday's Community Shield triumph.PA PhotosDavid de Gea looks dejected after conceding his second goal of the game at Wembley• United fightback stuns City• Community Shield gallery United mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2 against their rivals Manchester City, who had taken the lead through a Joleon Lescott header, when De Gea was hesitant, and a long-range strike from Edin Dzeko that caught the Spanish shot-stopper off guard.Asked about Dezko's goal, Ferguson said: "Well it was bending a little bit ... it's difficult to say."The Red Devils rallied in the second half to claim victory as Chris Smalling diverted home and then Nani completed

Brolly stands by criticism of Cork

"Cork have failed against Kerry" - Joe Brolly Joe Brolly has stood by his sharp criticism of the Cork football team despite their victory over Down in the All-Ireland quarter-final on Saturday. A Gaelic Life column by Brolly drew the ire of Rebel fans in the run-up to the Croke Park clash with Down. Before the Rebels' 2-20 to 0-14 victory, he wrote: "They have been able to bludgeon and bore their way through every team in the country with their primitive approach, but as we saw for the umpteenth time in the Munster final, the Kingdom are far too smart for them." In a heated Sunday Game discussion with fellow analyst Tony Davis, the former Derry star stated that Cork "played like champions"