Carling Cup - Ferguson: 'Lucky United were so bad'

Eurosport - Thu, 08 Jan 13:18:00 2009

Relieved Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were lucky to escape with a 1-0 Carling Cup defeat at Derby.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 Carling Cup Derby-Manchester United Anderson Scholes Welbeck Tevez - 0

United slid to a shock reverse against the Championship outfit in the first leg of their semi-final.

It gives United a major job to complete at Old Trafford in a fortnight if they are to book a final appearance - almost certainly against Tottenham - at Wembley on March 1.

But, as far as Ferguson is concerned, at least United can still get there, Derby's wastefulness offering a reprieve the Scot is certain his side will take full advantage of.

"We could have lost by more," admitted Ferguson.

"We were lucky. We were so bad that Derby will rue the fact they didn't score more.

"In any semi final you hope to give yourself that breathing space.

"But we expect to recover a 1-0 deficit against anyone at Old Trafford and I am sure we will."

Ferguson acknowledged Nigel Clough's presence may also have been a major influence even though the new Derby boss was only watching from the Pride Park stands.

"It happens so many times historically, there is no rhyme or reason to it," he said.

"A few years ago we played West Ham and Alan Curbishley had just taken over and they beat us 1-0. It is a strange thing."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick came off the bench for United, although it was youngsters Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck who received most praise and an assurance over their place for the decider.

"The young lads did well," said Ferguson.

"Darron Gibson was one of our best players and he deserves his place. The younger ones will play again."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

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  1. Proven that Berbatov was badly missed in the match.. Berba is the difference between the match at St. Mary's and Pride Park.. Well, as for Welbeck and Gibson, they cant play well along side the 1st time yet.. Now there's a bigger job on the weekend and hope that it will turn out entertaining..

    From alfredlim12, on Thu 8 Jan 10:04AM

  2. the kids had a chance to shine, look at the team on paper and they looked capable of getting a result, only derby players wanted it more with there commitment and determination, well done derby, hope you win the second leg

    From melliott650, on Thu 8 Jan 10:00AM

  3. i'm a fan of man.united but for yesterday game we are so lucky and lazy to play.lucky luckyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy....united make sure u do your best for the next leg go on and winnnnnnnnnnnnnn........... because we have weapon of mass distructionnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.bommmmmm bommmmmm!

    From Raymond M. C.B, on Thu 8 Jan 9:56AM

  4. i'm a fan of man.united but for yesterday game we are so lucky and lazy to play.lucky luckyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy....united make sure u do your best for the next leg go on and winnnnnnnnnnnnnn........... because we have weapon of mass distructionnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.bommmmmm bommmmmm!

    From Raymond M. C.B, on Thu 8 Jan 9:55AM

  5. So, what do u think?How the offensive looks better?With Berbatov or Tevez.There's no doubt!United has not to keep Tevez, Nani too!

    From ahp0468, on Thu 8 Jan 9:52AM

  6. We've got bigger fish to fry on Sunday...

    We'll turn around this result back at OT.

    From Jonny Justice, on Thu 8 Jan 9:49AM

  7. An absolute shocker of a game. United never showed up to play. Well done to Derby, they took their chances well and probably rue the fact they didn't score more.

    From Kings 33, on Thu 8 Jan 9:44AM

  8. never one to duck out fergie was right united were very very poor

    From mb, on Thu 8 Jan 9:26AM
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