Boss Thanks Trusted Troops

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his players after his makeshift line-up won impressively in Wolfsburg.

The United boss opted for a back three of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra, with the latter being the only recognised defender in the starting eleven. Apart from conceding an equaliser to the hosts early in the second half, that trio - and the team at large - held firm to give Michael Owen the platform for a match-winning hat-trick.

The 3-1 win sealed top spot in Champions League Group B for the Reds and vindicated Sir Alex's faith in a new formation. “It was an experimental system, but the good thing is there was (still) enough quality there," the United manager said.

"You have to trust that the players are good at their job. They are, and they’ve proved it again tonight. I thought our control in the first half was very good. It was the same in the second half. Our threat towards the end and our speed in the counter attack were great.”

Sir Alex admitted to having concerns before the match, with so many senior members of his squad - especially defenders - unavailable through injury. The versatility of several players was therefore key to United winning in difficult circumstances.

“The players applied themselves and that’s important in a game like this," said Sir Alex. "Darren Fletcher, for example, plays all over the place. If you’ve got players like that who can adapt into a different system then it’s never a big problem."

The United boss also paid tribute to Owen's predatory instincts, following his clinical triple.

“It was a fantastic hat-trick," said Sir Alex. "You know how good he is in that penalty box. He’s on the shoulder, he makes runs across defenders, and his timing with his runs is fantastic. I’m really pleased for him.

"His performance tonight, as he’s proved many times, shows that he is one of the best strikers in the last third of the field in terms of his positioning, movement and his clinical finishing. The evidence is always on the football field, and Michael has given plenty of evidence of what he can do tonight.

"I think I made the point some weeks ago that his training performances have improved steadily and I would never have a problem with him starting any game.

"We've recently chosen to play one central striker – normally Wayne Rooney – with three central midfield players. Tonight, we had a different system with Danny Welbeck and Michael. He’s proved his worth and we’re delighted with his contribution."