Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed bewilderment at his side's defensive frailties after they came from two goals down to beat SC Braga 3-2 in the Champions League. The victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night secured a crucial step towards qualification for the knockout stages, but the manner of the performance left Ferguson scratching his head.
United conceded two early goals to Braga's Brazilian forward Alan, exposing a defence that had been reshuffled with Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra rested ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea. Ferguson admitted he cannot understand why his team keeps making life difficult for themselves. 'I can't understand our defending. I can't get to the bottom of it. It's difficult to put my finger on it,' he said.
The comeback was sparked by Javier Hernandez, who scored twice to add to Jonny Evans's equaliser. Ferguson heaped praise on the Mexican striker, who had been linked with a move away from the club. 'He has a fantastic goals-per-game ratio and the natural movement that all the best strikers possess,' Ferguson said. Hernandez's performance drew comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, both in his boyish looks and lethal finishing.
The win was United's first comeback from two goals down in the Champions League since the famous semi-final victory against Juventus in 1999. However, Ferguson acknowledged that the current squad cannot yet be compared to that treble-winning side, despite their attacking riches. The manager now faces a selection headache for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Hernandez all vying for starting places.
