Ferguson fumes as sloppy United show signs of weakness
MANCHESTER UTD 3 vs FC BASEL 3
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were given a “wake-up call” by Swiss outsiders Basel after last night’s draw cemented their worst start to a Champions League campaign for 13 years.
After the slightly fortuitous draw against Benfica a fortnight ago, United looked on course for a routine victory when Danny Welbeck struck twice within a minute just past the quarter hour mark.
But Basel, who had troubled United throughout, hit back in the second half with quickfire goals from Fabian Frei and Alexander Frei, before the latter completed a sensational turn-around from the penalty spot with 14 minutes remaining.
Ferguson threw on Nani in a bid to rescue a point and the Portugal winger created the equaliser in injury-time with a fabulous cross, converted at the far post by Ashley Young.
“I think we were careless. It’s a wake-up call in many ways. A lack of concentration saw us give the game away really…but we rescued it,” said Ferguson. “To concede three goals at home – the defence and midfield have to be better in terms of concentration. If you lapse, the quality of the Champions League can make you suffer.”
Goalscorer Welbeck, meanwhile, admitted that, despite his first Champions League strikes, the draw felt like a defeat.
He said: “We should be finishing games like this, it’s not like us. We’re very disappointed with the result.”