Ferguson critical of wasteful United

He had praise for Valencia’s goalkeeper, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United were still wasteful in their 1-1 draw in Group C.

While the result ensured United topped the group and will avoid some of Europe’s biggest clubs in the Champions League’s knockout stages, Ferguson’s side made hard work of their comeback after going down in the 32nd minute.

Strike duo Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney both had chances to level the game before Anderson’s 62nd-minute equaliser, with Ferguson hinting after the game to Sky Sports that he was not happy with his side’s composure in front of goal.

“I think we made a lot of chances, played a lot of good football and five minutes after we scored we should have been two up at that time, we had another good chance (for Berbatov),” he said.

“But then we just settled, we just tried to see out the game and sometimes that can be dangerous.”

Ferguson did have praise for 23-year-old Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guiata, who stepped in for veteran goalkeeper Cesar to play a large part in keeping United from a win.

“We should have scored a few goals,” the United manager said.

Ferguson said the decision to substitute Rio Ferdinand in the 50th minute was a precaution, with the central defender suffering a tight hamstring after the half-time break.

More positive were the efforts of star striker Wayne Rooney as he continues his bid to return to form: “His distribution, his leading of the line was terrific and his workrate as usual that was outstanding tonight,” Ferguson said.

“He’s getting there, and he’s getting there quickly.”