Squad Game Delights Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has a familiar occasion to look forward to – his tenth FA Cup semi-final tie – after overcoming Arsenal with an unfamiliar line-up.

With three senior wingers ruled out or not ready to start, the manager turned to the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio to fill the wide berths in his midfield. The decision paid dividends when both were involved in United’s first goal, scored by the latter.

“Having a lot of injuries in midfield, I had to come up with a plan or an idea where I could utilise energies,” Sir Alex explained to MUTV. “The two Da Silvas are such keen and enthusiastic boys, I thought they could do that [play on the wings].

“I couldn’t risk Scholes and Giggs because of Tuesday’s game against Marseille, such a vital game for the club, so Darron Gibson had to play as the only natural midfielder. John O’Shea has played there before but he’s obviously a centre-back or a full-back.

“Considering we made these major changes with a host of injuries in the club, I think we can be well pleased with the result.”

Sir Alex felt Fabio’s first-half strike changed the pattern of the match, and could have paved the way for more goal than Wayne Rooney’s second-period header.

“It was an intense game as we expected it to be and both teams played their part in different stages of the game,” said the manager.

“The first goal opened up the game and there could have been a lot of goals for both sides in the second half.

“Arsenal had a lot of chances in the second half and Edwin van der Sar made four or five fantastic saves. On the other side, their goalkeeper made three saves from Chicharito while Rooney went through with a good chance. There was nothing much between the two teams but we could have won by a few more goals.”

On Rooney’s performance, Sir Alex said: “He did a great job for us. Centre midfield in the first half, second half he could have scored maybe a hat-trick really. He took his goal well, he’s continued his great record against Arsenal scoring wise. I think Wayne and all the rest have all earned their corn today. They’ve all worked hard.”