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Ferguson concerned over defensive headache
Manchester United, 13:19, December 6, 2009 ,
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has a big selection headache after his defensive injury crisis deepened at the weekend.
The long list of absentees for Manchester United meant that Darren Fletcher started at right-back against West Ham, but by the end of the 4-0 win, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra were playing in the centre of defence with Ryan Giggs at left-back as Gary Neville and Wes Brown limped off early.
Punters looking to use their free bet will no doubt have taken note of Ferguson's comments after the United boss admitted his concerns over his defensive situation.
"I don't know where I'm going to get a back four for Tuesday," Ferguson said. "The injuries in defence are becoming a bit of a headache to us. Michael Carrick stepped in and did very well."
United travel to Germany in midweek to take on Wolfsburg knowing that a point will guarantee them top spot in Group B, and, in theory, an easier game in the next round.
Ferguson is hoping that Nemanja Vidic will be able to start against the German champions but without Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, John O'Shea, Neville and Brown, he admitted he is likely to give Carrick a second outing in the heart of defence.
"Probably Nemanja Vidic will be back from flu and I'll probably play Carrick alongside him," Ferguson stated.
"Carrick's got the composure and the pace and it was a good performance in the second half. We used our experience."
United currently have ten points with one game to go and have guaranteed qualification to the next phase, with Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow, who travel to Besiktas on Tuesday, both three points behind.