Ferguson in shock after defeat to Celtic
Shell-shocked Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his
sides Champions League defeat at Celtic was hard to take.
The result, following on from the Red Devils loss to FC Copenhagen
in their last game means they will face Benfica in a last-day
shoot-out for the second season running, knowing another defeat
will dump them out of the group stage once more.
Louis Sahas last-minute penalty miss meant United failed to
overturn Shunsuke Nakamuras stunning free-kick 10 minutes from time
after Celtic had survived a prolonged pummelling to book their own
place in the last 16.
I am in shock, said Ferguson.
To be honest losing this game is very hard to take. It is
disappointing because we have thrown it away by not scoring goals
to win the match. We didnt do enough in the last third of the field
and that is what can happen in football if you dont take your
chances.
Uniteds task in a fortnights time is slightly easier than it was
last season given on that occasion they needed to travel to the
Stadium of Light and win.
At least this time the Red Devils only need a point on home soil to
qualify, with Ferguson believing his team will get it.
Our home form has been very good, he said.
I have no worries on that score. We have to be a bit more
aggressive and take our chances. Unfortunately we have a couple of
big matches to play before then. We can focus on those and put the
Champions League on the back burner.
Ferguson was referring to Sundays crucial Premiership encounter
with Chelsea at Old Trafford, when a win will put United six points
clear at the top of the table.
However, before then he faces a major test to lift Sahas spirit in
particular.
Lethal since replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy as Uniteds first choice
striker this season, the Frenchmans nerve failed him when it
mattered.
Not only did he miss from the spot on a night when Van Nistelrooy
also missed a late penalty but had already scored, Saha also blew a
major chance when he believed he had been flagged offside when in
fact play had been waved on.
Louis thought he heard a whistle, conceded Ferguson.
Louis is obviously disappointed to miss the penalty but the players
will help to lift him because we are all together at this club.
There are no problems with the boy. I am sure he will miss another
penalty in his career at some point. Understandably, the players
are disappointed. We have five days to lift them but if we want to
win the league we have to show character and I am sure we
will.
Ferguson insisted despite the result his team had not failed in his
home city, believing they had come as close as it was possible to
becoming only the second side to defeat Celtic at Parkhead in the
Champions League.
Benfica came here and melted in that atmosphere, we didnt, he
said.
Historically, we have always had to do things the hard way at this
football club. It looks like we will have to do it the hard way
again.
