Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Ryan Shawcross over his tackle on Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Ferguson sold Shawcross to Stoke City and was on the phone to him 24 hours after the incident.

He said: "There's no more honest boy in the world.

"One thing I'm pleased about is that everyone has recognised it was an honest challenge. Everyone.

"Even Arsenal will do that now, or I hope they do. It was one of these terrible accidents that happen in football.

"Arsene Wenger was feeling for the player, quite rightly. I'd be the same if it was my player."