Ferguson in new ref rant as United frustrated
MANCHESTER UTD vs CSKA MOSCOW
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson continued his crusade against referees with a blast at Olegario Benquerenca as his side were held to a thrilling draw by CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.
Ferguson was furious United weren’t awarded a penalty by the Portuguese official after Darren Fletcher appeared to be tripped in the area – only to be then booked for diving.
The result was enough to see United progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, but Ferguson, who has launched attacks on Alan Wiley and Andre Marriner in recent weeks, was left incensed by this latest decision. “I can’t believe it, I can’t believe the decision,” the Scot said. “It’s one of the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
Alan Dzagoev gave the Russians the lead on 25 minutes before Michael Owen equalised four minutes later, in front of England boss Fabio Capello.
Moscow, however, reclaimed the lead through Milos Krasic two minutes later before Vasili Berezutski headed home to make it 3-1 two minutes into the restart.
But United, inspired by Wayne Rooney, who climbed off the bench just hours after becoming a father for the first time, weren’t to be denied with Paul Scholes pulling a goal back with six minutes to go before Antonio Valencia salvaged a draw in injury time with a 25-yard effort which deflected in off Georgy Shchennikov.
Relieved Ferguson admitted: “I need 10 minutes to think about that. Their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves.
“I thought the intensity of our play, and particularly in the last 25 minutes, was terrific.”