Form of Hernandez poses Ferguson problems

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he does not know how to make best use of his star-studded forward line.

Mexico international Javier Hernandez was the latest man to get United out of trouble, netting twice to help seal a 3-2 win at home to Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday, despite having trailed 2-0 early in the first half.

Ferguson has conceded he faces a selection headache with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and now Hernandez all among the goals.

He told ITV: “(Hernandez) is improving all the same and he’s got such enthusiasm for the game. He trains magnificently.

“He’s got me thinking, I must say that. He’s got me thinking about him and Van Persie, Rooney and Welbeck.

“I don’t know what to do with them, to be honest with you.”

The Scot also defended his decision to start Michael Carrick and Alexander Buttner in defence ahead of Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, insisting a congested fixture list leaves him no choice but to rotate.

“I think we did the right thing. It wasn’t Michael Carrick’s fault for the goal – the first goal – he did his job well,” he said.

“He can take the ball out from the back for us, his passing was terrific.”

United have back-to-back games away to Chelsea in the English Premier League and League Cup coming up, before a home match with Arsenal early next month.

“I think you have to look at the big picture,” Ferguson said.

“Rio, at his age, big game on Sunday against Chelsea, then Chelsea on Wednesday and Arsenal on the Saturday… we’ve a massive problem coming up now and it’s important to use and utilise the squad that we have.

“OK, at the moment, with Vidic out and Jones and Smalling not available, putting Michael at the back there is not the best but he does the job well.”

Ferguson praised his side’s recovery from two goals down but expressed his concern at their defensive shortcomings.

“It’s been the story of our season at home, starting badly and losing goals,” he said.

“We’re having to fight back to rescue games and it’s the front players who are doing that for us.

“I must say, some of our football was terrific tonight – some fantastic football, we created a lot of chances – but it is a concern, losing the goals.”