Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he has 'given up' trying to fathom how referees decide on the amount of added time to be played.
The issue of stoppage time has dominated the headlines this week following United's dramatic 4-3 victory over derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Michael Owen scored the winning goal five-and-a-half minutes into injury-time, with the referee initially having indicated a minimum of four minutes would be played.
City manager Mark Hughes was unhappy that more time was added on, which was due to Craig Bellamy's goal celebrations and a substitution from United.
Ferguson understands why Hughes was frustrated by the situation and admits he no longer tries to work out how much additional time is due to be played.
Method in madness
"I've given up trying to understand how the fourth official and referee work out added time," wrote Ferguson in his programme notes for United's Carling Cup tie with Wolves on Wednesday night.
"I'm sure there is method in their madness.
"The big issue in the derby centred on the time added on with nearly seven minutes on top of normal play.
"However infuriating it is when it goes against you, we managers have to get on with it."
He added: "I understand the frustration of Mark Hughes as the manager on the receiving end of a very late goal.
"But City had the better of the first half and we battered them after the break."
The issue of stoppage time has dominated the headlines this week following United's dramatic 4-3 victory over derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Michael Owen scored the winning goal five-and-a-half minutes into injury-time, with the referee initially having indicated a minimum of four minutes would be played.
City manager Mark Hughes was unhappy that more time was added on, which was due to Craig Bellamy's goal celebrations and a substitution from United.
Ferguson understands why Hughes was frustrated by the situation and admits he no longer tries to work out how much additional time is due to be played.
Method in madness
"I've given up trying to understand how the fourth official and referee work out added time," wrote Ferguson in his programme notes for United's Carling Cup tie with Wolves on Wednesday night.
"I'm sure there is method in their madness.
"The big issue in the derby centred on the time added on with nearly seven minutes on top of normal play.
"However infuriating it is when it goes against you, we managers have to get on with it."
He added: "I understand the frustration of Mark Hughes as the manager on the receiving end of a very late goal.
"But City had the better of the first half and we battered them after the break."
