Scudamore says honesty is the best policy

Chief Executive Richard Scudamore has praised the integrity of the Barclays Premier League.



Ahead of Sunday's final round of fixtures, Scudamore has reassured the survival strugglers that every team will be giving their all.

There has been some media speculation that Manchester United could field an under-strength side at Hull City, resting key players ahead of next week's Champions League final.

That could hinder the other three clubs still battling to avoid the two remaining relegation places.

But Scudamore is confident that United will put out a strong side and that they will be going all out for victory.

honest endeavour

He told premierleague.com: "Probably the highlight of the season for me has been the integrity of the competition - as well as the brilliant quality of the football.

"Teams have had a go and given no quarter in every match, playing with honest endeavour.

"Liverpool went to West Bromwich Albion knowing they could not move position but they were still desperate to win the match.

"West Brom suffered as a result but all the other teams around them were respectful of Liverpool's attitude.

"It was the same the following day when Portsmouth played Sunderland. Pompey were safe and did not have much to play for but they came from a goal down to win 3-1.

"That is what this competition is all about. And it will be the same on Sunday.

"Manchester United are the most professional of professional clubs and I am sure Sir Alex Ferguson will pick a team that is capable of winning the game and will want to win the game.

"You have to be realistic and acknowledge they have already won the league and do have the most significant game coming up a few days later.

"But they have a big squad and you cannot argue with them deploying it on Sunday."

Premier League rules state that clubs must field their strongest available side but the top teams have frequently rotated players over the course of the season.

thrilling finale

Scudamore added: "That rule is in every competition and it pre-dates the squad system. If a team does not try or is made up completely of people that you have not heard of then there might be a place for that rule to be applied.

"But everyone talks about it being the strength of Manchester United's squad which won them the league so you cannot argue against them using it.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is the consummate professional and he is going to want to win the match.

"And then hopefully they can go on and win the Champions League next week."

The season is boiling up to a thrilling finale with most of the attention focused on the four-way battle to stay up.

And Scudamore is delighted with the quality on view over the past nine months.

He said: "We are in the entertainment business and it has been an excellent season, probably the best yet.

"Some clubs have done better than they expected, others not as well. But the league has been very competitive from top to bottom.

"Our clubs have done well in Europe which is a good measure - and we have plenty more to come with the Champions League final and a thrilling final weekend.

"And then as soon as it is over, the excitement will start to build for next season."