Ferguson: Manchester United Kids Made 'Natural Mistakes'

Old Trafford boss shields young side from criticism.

Nov 25, 2009 5:31:00 PM

More On :  Besiktas, Manchester United
CL: Anderson (Manchester United) - Michael Fink (Besiktas) (Getty Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson reserved praise for Manchester United's kids after their 1-0 defeat by Besiktas at Old Trafford.

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United were already guaranteed qualification from the group, but needed a point to ensure they topped Group B. Instead, a 30-yard deflected goal from Rodrigo Tello flew past Ben Foster in the 19th minute.

The defeat was United's first home Champions League defeat since February 2005 and means they still need one point from their final game against Wolfsburg to win the group.

But Ferguson was quick to defend his young side, despite United losing their record of not losing a Champions League group game at Old Trafford for eight years.

"The players are 18 and 19 and expected to make some mistakes that you don’t do when you have grown up,” said Ferguson.

“It was a solid performance in the sense that we controlled the game, but we did not win it. I think they will learn the lessons and we did some good things tonight.”

Drew Swainston, Goal.com

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