Boss' Absence Explained

Assistant manager Mike Phelan has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson missed United's Carling Cup trip to Scunthorpe to scout Valencia, the Reds' next Champions League opponents.

Unai Emery's side have started the season in fine form, topping La Liga and romping to a 4-0 victory at Bursaspor in their opening Group C encounter, prompting a personal check from the United manager during Wednesday's domestic clash with Atletico Madrid.

"He had to make some priorities and he chose that he wouldn't come to this game; he would leave it to his other people to do," Phelan told Sky Sports.

"It's important, after drawing the Rangers game, that we prepare properly and we get a good view of Valencia, who've started their season very well."

Sir Alex's absence left Phelan in charge of the Reds' third round clash at Glanford Park, and he was delighted to see a host of action-starved players gel well against an impressive Scunthorpe side.

"There were a few players out there who needed the game; a few of the young players," he said. "Rio's done well, but I thought also Michael Owen did exceptionally well. He showed what a top, top player he is and he contributed to everything tonight - he covered the ground really well.

"We have a young player in Chris Smalling who did well, then there were Kiko Macheda and Chicharito, and we introduced Bebe as well. The keeper (Tomasz Kuszczak) did exceptionally well. He dealt with everything that came his way.

"I thought Scunthorpe played their part in a very, very good game. They created a few opportunities. Even when we got it to 5-1 they created probably six chances that they possibly could have done better with.

"Overall it's a great scoreline from our point of view because it's a new team out there that was put together over a couple of days. From Scunthorpe's point of view, they should take a lot of pride from the game."