Ferguson apologises for Palace loss

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson apologised to the club’s fans after their shock 2-1 extra-time loss to Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup.

United crashed out of the competition on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat to Dougie Freedman’s team in the Old Trafford clash, with Darren Ambrose’s sublime 40-yard strike giving Palace the lead just after the hour mark.

Federico Macheda levelled for United, but a close-range header from Glenn Murray eight minutes into the first period of extra time secured a memorable win for the visitors.

While Ferguson conceded the Championship outfit gave a good account of themselves, the 69-year-old was disappointed with the display from his side.

“My apologies are to the fans tonight, because that was not a Manchester United performance,” Ferguson said.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Crystal Palace, I wish them every success and I hope they get to the final because it was a fantastic mammoth effort by them tonight.”

“Every one of their players worked their socks off to get the semi-final and I’m just very disappointed.”

“When it went to extra time I thought we must win it, but it wasn’t to be. Obviously the second goal was offside from what I’ve seen, we’re not getting any luck from linesmen just now, but I can’t take that away from Crystal Palace.”

“We maybe played too much short passing, not enough spreading the game but I’m not going to dwell on it all, at the end of the day we’re beaten and it’s a very disappointing night for Manchester United.”

Freedman, meanwhile, lauded his team after the win, which sets up an all-Championship semi final with Cardiff.

“It was a wonderful night for the football club, especially the position we’ve been in the last few years,” Freedman told Sky Sports.

“To find ourselves playing at Old Trafford is a real privilege and the lads have learned a lot from tonight. So it’s a real enjoyable night.”

“We’ve got the win and I think we’ve deserved it. And I think we played some good football and showed a lot of desire to win that game.”