Ferguson not panicked by Burnley slip
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not worried by his side suffering an early setback to their Premier League title defence at top-flight newcomers Burnley.
The Clarets, who only came up via the play-offs, stunned Ferguson by downing United 1-0 at Turf Moor on Wednesday night – Burnley’s first win in the top tier since 1976.
Arguably more troubling for Ferguson, however, was his team’s lack of potency in a match that saw Michael Carrick miss a penalty and Michael Owen squander a succession of opportunities to open his account for the club. United’s blunt attack provided further fuel for critics who believe Ferguson has not signed adequate replacements for the departed Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, who between them contributed 103 goals over the last two campaigns.
But the manager put the upset down to it being Burnley’s night, and is adamant that what he saw has not troubled him unduly.
“Not at this stage,” said the Scot. “When you look at the chances we had, one or two should have been off the mark. Michael Owen missed a chance in the first half, Ryan Giggs had a great chance, Wayne Rooney had a couple and Michael Carrick had the best chance when the ball was squared to him in the box but he took a touch and lost the opportunity.”
United are already three points adrift of Chelsea, the team thought most likely to deny them a fourth consecutive title. Tomorrow’s trip to Wigan offers a chance to make amends, and assistant manager Mike Phelan admits their strikeforce has a point to prove.
“We were disappointing in front of goal that is for sure. We had a lot of possession but didn’t really create anything,” said Phelan.
“Their goalkeeper only made three saves in the entire game, which is not enough. We should have done a lot better and it is something we have to correct – and correct quickly.”