Sir Alex Ferguson has launched an astonishing attack on referee Alan Wiley after his side’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland, claiming he was not fit enough to keep up with the game.

"The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit. It is an indictment of our game," said Ferguson.

"You see referees abroad who are as fit as butcher’s dogs. We have some who are fit. He wasn’t fit."

United went behind to an early Darren Bent goal but equalised after the break through Dimitar Berbatov’s overhead kick.

Kenwyne Jones headed Steve Bruce’s team back into the lead, however Anton Ferdinand’s own goal levelled the score in stoppage time after Kieran Richardson was sent off for a second bookable offence.

However the United manager was unhappy with the amount of added time played and claims Wiley was using breaks in the game to have a rest.

"I was disappointed with the referee," said Ferguson.

"He didn’t add on any time for the goal. He played four minutes and two seconds.

"He was also walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest. He was not fit enough for a game of that standard.

"He was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was needing a rest. It was ridiculous."

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