Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Giggs defends United changes
Ryan Giggs admitted United lacked the killer quality to undo stubborn Rangers. Walter Smith's side parked a blue bus in front of United and invited the Reds to crack it open. However, Rangers held out and Sir Alex Ferguson's side kicked off the European campaign with a disappointing stalemate. It was a frustrating night. Rangers got everybody behind the ball, it was up to us to break them down, and we just didn't manage to do it, said Giggs who came on as a substitute for horror ankle injury victim Antonio Valencia. It is tough. In the first half we didn't really get into the rhythm of the game. We were giving the ball away. It is Champions League and when teams put ten men behind the ball it is difficult. We have always found a way in the past but this time we just didn't have the quality in the last third. Fergie made 10 changes from the side that drew 3-3 at Everton with only Darren Fletcher surviving. I don't think all the changes were a disruption, added Giggs. All the players are internationals and all good players. It is not an excuse at all. We just fell short when it came to creating chances. Now United have to attempt to get their Champions League season into winning mode against Valencia in the Mestala Stadium in a fortnight. The Spaniards last night kicked off with an impressive 4-0 away success at Turkish side Bursaspor. It will be a tough game in Spain against Valencia in a fortnight. We have played them before and the atmosphere over there is always brilliant, said Giggs. They are an experienced European side and it won't be easy but we have to be ready for it. Sunday here at Old Trafford with Liverpool is the best kind of game to have after the disappointment at Goodison. The fans will be up for it and the players will. Rio Ferdinand made his comeback after recovering from the knee ligament injury that wrecked his World Cup with England and came through the 90 minutes against Rangers. It was nice to be back and play some football, said United's captain. The result wasn't what we wanted but we didn't concede and we didn't lose the game. You have to expect teams to come here and defend for their lives. They defended well as a team. But we could have done better. It was just one of those nights. Decision-making in certain areas of the pitch wasn't as good as it could have been. That happens and you have to get on with it.
