Boss Rues Late Goal

Sir Alex Ferguson rued a lack of concentration as the Reds let a 2-1 lead slip against FC Porto, and cited fatigue as a reason for a below-par United display.

With only two days to recover from Sunday’s dramatic and draining 3-2 win over Aston Villa, United were clearly still feeling the effects of that match.

“It’s a bit of fatigue, but it was a lack of concentration also,” Sir Alex told ITV Sport. “If you have a 2-1 lead with five minutes to go you really should be seeing the game out.

The United boss wasn’t at all surprised with the quality of Porto’s play. “They were exactly what I thought they would be,” he said. “We watched their game against Atletico Madrid, and that’s exactly the way they played then.”

Sir Alex was pleased with United’s reaction to a poor first half to set up what looked like an excellent winner. “It was a brilliant flick from Wayne and Carlos is very good at getting in at the front post. He is always dangerous there.”

But then United’s concentration dipped in the 89th minute and Mariano levelled for the visitors. “It’ll be a difficult game over in Portugal, that’s without question,” concluded the boss. For United to reach the semi-finals, the Reds must become the first team to beat Porto on home soil. “Well, we know what we need to do then,” he added.

Next up for the Reds is Sunderland in the Premier League, and United will have to do it without Jonny Evans, who was substituted after picking up a groin injury. “We’ve got a game on Saturday and we’ve got four days to prepare for that and a lot to play for.”