Fergie: Our Defence Was Frail
Sir Alex Ferguson admits United conceded some "terrible goals" during the shock 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.
The manager was obviously disappointed with the result but also concerned about the defensive performance, especially with an important trip to Lille looming on the midweek horizon.
Here's a transcript of his post-match interview on MUTV...
Where do you start with that?
"We start with the second minute when we allowed one of their players to receive the ball and move forward without one challenge from 25 yards. When you're away from home, you hope to start with a tight, balanced midfield and see how the first few minutes go until you get your own tempo and rhythm. But we were on the back foot right away and we never recovered from it. The second and third goals were terrible goals to lose at our level. We can't afford to do that."
What disappointed you most about the 90 minutes?
"The start didn't help us. From that moment on, we chased it, and when you chase it, you are susceptible to the counter-attack which we never handled that well. Every time they played the ball forward it looked a danger. Their front two gave our defence a really hard time."
The third goal was a killer...
"There was no doubt about the penalty. The linesman gave it but nonetheless it was a penalty and right on the stroke of half-time. So it was an uphill fight after that. We changed the system a bit and played three up so that we occupied their three defenders. In that situation, you have to risk. We're prepared to do that and we should always do that but we needed an early goal in the second half to give us the encouragement and confidence to go on and do better."
The first goal was a shame for van der Sar, his first real mistake...
"I'd have to see it again but allowing a player to have a free shot from that range doesn't help you. That was bad."
How do you bounce back from this?
"The great thing about our club is that we have to bounce back. There's a lot expected of us. There's a great fascination about how we play every Saturday and what the result is. Today is another page in the history of Manchester United. Middlesbrough have cuffed us 4-1 and we have to get over that because on Wednesday night we have a really important match in Europe. And I think that result today only encourages our French opponents, they'll be buoyed by that. So we have to do something on Wednesday, we have to be positive and make sure we don't make mistakes like we did defensively. If we do, we'll be out."
The next two games are massive. Is that just what's required after a performance like that?
"Well, they're all massive really. Today was massive. I felt we were in reasonably consistent form, our away form was excellent. And in our away games this season we've started with a lot of patience and care in how we approach the game, making sure we get hold of the ball and make our opponents work for it. But we didn't do that today and of course that second-minute goal just compounded the whole day."
How much damage has that done in the title race?
"We've been hoping that Chelsea drop points and they're not doing so. Now the rest of us are scrabbling away hoping we can get some consistent form. Charlton have lost today, Tottenham and Arsenal have drawn, we've lost... nobody's getting the consistent form they need to challenge Chelsea."
Do you have to beat Chelsea next Sunday?
"You always have to beat teams, that part never changes. A lot of people are hoping that we're the team that can beat them and, of course, with the ability we have in our team, that is possible. But certainly on today's form I don't think we could beat anyone."
How big a challenge is Wednesday's game now?
"We want to qualify, obviously. We've always qualified from the group. We're still in a good position, don't get me wrong about that, but we can't afford the defensive frailties we've shown today. Therefore we'll play with a bit more caution on Wednesday, to make sure we don't give our opponents any more encouragement."
So you'll be looking for a response from the team...
"We'll get a response, that's without question. That's what we've always been good at. And that's my job."
Report by Adam Bostock.
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