Alex Ferguson: I should have picked Dimitar Berbatov for Rangers clash
Sir Alex Ferguson today admitted that he may have made a mistake in not selecting striker Dimitar Berbatov for Manchester United’s UEFA Champions’ League group stage clash with the Rangers, a match that ended in a goalless draw.
The Scottish Premier League champions had set themselves up to play ultra-defensively and as a result, the Red Devils struggled to find a way through to Allan McGregor’s goal.
After the 3-3 draw with Everton in the English Premier League on Saturday, Ferguson made ten changes to the side — including the reinstatement of Wayne Rooney, with Berbatov dropping out. As a result, United lacked the creative edge that may have helped
them break through the Rangers rearguard.
Ferguson told reporters that, “We wanted to see how Javier Hernandez would do in a full game. Because of that we left Berbatov out and his form has been absolutely fantastic. He has been one of our best players this season and his ability to create in tight
situations would have made a difference.”
"We wanted to find out about one or two players. But seven or eight of them played against Chelsea in the Community Shield, so we weren't short of players we needed to win the game. There were plenty of good players on the pitch."
The United boss also stated that it was a difficult night for his men, as his old friend Walter Smith had instructed his team to play very tight and keep United from creating any rhythm.
Ferguson said that, "It was a frustrating night for us. Rangers' system of play was very difficult to break down. I don't know if playing anyone else would have made any difference. They were well organised and defended so deep; it was difficult to open
them up at all.”
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