Manchester United FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Fergie rues defensive lapses

28 May 2009 - 07:40:00

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Sir Alex Ferguson blamed "shoddy" defending after Manchester United failed to make history and become the first club to successfully defend the Champions League.

The United boss admitted Barcelona deserved to win the Rome final by a 2-0 scoreline following goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.

But that did not stop Ferguson from offering a damning verdict of his team's performance.

"In our best performances this season we have defended very well, but the defending was shoddy," he claimed.

"The first goal didn't help. It gave them the opportunity to keep possession.

"We didn't plan to lose a goal early and we didn't deal with it well enough. That was the story. To lose a goal like that was a bad goal.

"It was a disappointing performance and some individuals will feel it themselves."

However, Ferguson claimed that United can still look back on a successful season which brought Premier League, Carling Cup and World Club Cup glory with pride.

"We've done well," he added. "It has been a long season - that was our 66th game - and you've got to give the players great credit for the courage and resilience they've shown throughout.

"Now we have to come back stronger. That's what we do at this club.

"We have to accept it, we've been beaten by the better team. Next season, we'll be stronger."