Fergie rues defensive lapses

Published: 10 Apr 2009 - 18:19:50

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Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his side to stop conceding 'silly' goals as they bid to get their season back on track. The Red Devils have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and have conceded goals at an alarming rate. Ever since the 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford the champions have let in 10 goals in four games and given the side's miserly defensive record at the start of the season the current state of affairs is hard to fathom. The United boss points out that it is the defensive lapses in concentration which is undermining their performances and not fatigue, as some pundits speculated after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Porto in the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg. "Some people said we looked tired on Tuesday," he reflected. "We looked tired it the first half and were short of sharpness and rhythm in our game. But we did well in the second. There is nothing wrong there. Silly goals"We just have to stop these silly goals. "There is a watershed for everything. Hopefully we reached it on Tuesday night because that late goal was a real kick in the teeth." Despite their inconsistent performances Ferguson's side have halted the run of league defeats against Liverpool and Fulham with a win over Aston Villa and the draw with Porto and the Scot believes his side's character is responsible for the turnaround. "If you don't have character, you get yourself into situations where you might find yourself wanting," he added. "Fortunately there is a good competitive nature at this club. The fact we have been winning for the last few seasons gives them an in-born character to try and get out of the situation they found themselves in last Sunday. They are comfortable in these areas. It is not an accident in these areas. It is not an accident they keep getting out of them. It has happened too many times."