Fergie - We missed Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson concedes he should have had Dimitar Berbatov on the bench for Manchester United's opening UEFA Champions League tie with Rangers.

United started the group phase with a frustrating 0-0 home draw against Rangers after Ferguson made 10 changes from the team which was held 3-3 by Everton at the weekend.

Berbatov, who has enjoyed a positive start to the season, was one of the players to be left out and the Bulgarian was not even among the substitutes.

Ferguson was keen to give summer recruit Javier Hernandez his opportunity, but he acknowledged Berbatov's guile may have helped United break down a stubborn Rangers side.

"We wanted to see how Javier Hernandez would do in a full game," said Ferguson.

"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."

Ferguson explained the rationale behind the widespread changes to his team and is unsure whether a different line-up would have been able to overcome Rangers.

"We wanted to find out about one or two players," he said. "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.

"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.

"We didn't test their goalkeeper at all, apart from a couple of shots straight at him. It was a really difficult night."

Source: Sky Sports
Date Published: 15 September 2010

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Have your say on Fergie - We missed Berbatov in the United Online forum

Awful game, awful performance and generally not a good night. Not sure why we made 10 changes especially as Liverpool have to play Thursday. Hopefully we will get a reaction after playing that badly. Park and Fabio together on the left did not work, Hernandez hardly touched the ball in the second half and only Giggs when he came on looked any good. Was driven home by Rio's chauffeur which made for interesting gossip and stories though!

- Oli

Other then Gibson shooting from distance we didn't have many ideas although Rangers did put ten men behind the ball which didn't make it any easier. At least Rooney and Rio got 90 mins ahead of Sundays game. In regards to Fabio he needs to get much better on his left foot and work on his crossing. Valencia's injury was very disappointing he'll be a big loss.

- Munsterman

Poor result, really should have grabbed 3 points here. The 10 changes seemed excessive I suppose... we were devoid of any ideas to break them down. Hoping against hope that Antonio's injury isn't bad, but it has to be as they didn't show replays... Wonder how long he'll be out... Also, just heard that Valencia have beaten Bursaspor 4-0 in Turkey.

- Abner