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Summary Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is baffled by Manchester United's defensive woes.
Fergusons side were punished for a sloppy opening to their Group H clash at Old Trafford on Tuesday as two goals from Braga captain Alan stunned Old Trafford into silence. For the eighth time in 12 matches this season, United were forced to come from behind after conceding the opening goal.While Ferguson was full of admiration for the Hernandez-inspired fightback, it was revealing that, without any prompting, he launched into an analysis of his teams problems at the back during the post-match press conference.Even more intriguing was Fergusons revelation that he doesnt have a cure for the careless way United are surrendering so many goals.There was no disputing the quality of Alans strikes in the 2nd and 20th minutes: but the failure of Alexander Buttner to close down the playmaker for both goals, combined with the ease with which Hugo Viana and Eder were allowed to provide the assists, has given Ferguson serious cause for concern.I cant understand our defending, I cant get to bottom of it at all, Ferguson said. If you analyse all the goals we are losing they are all different types. Today it was a cross, then a cutback into the box with players free.I cant put my finger on it, but we arent getting good starts to games thats for sure. Its making it difficult for us.Its interesting that its the home games when we are conceding early goals, but well sort it out eventually, Im sure of that.Fortunately for Ferguson, while Braga proved adept at exploiting Uniteds flaws at the back, Jose Peseiros side had plenty of holes in their defence as well.Mexican striker Hernandez started the revival with a 25th minute header from Shinji Kagawas cross, then Jonny Evans equalised with a scuffed 62nd minute shot. That set the stage for Hernandez to head the winner from Tom Cleverleys cross with 15 minutes remaining.Our forward play is getting us out of holes all the time, Ferguson said. We produced some fantastic football and in the second half kept a really good momentum and speed to our game.We got a result people wouldnt have expected when we were 2-0 down. Credit to the players, they dont stop.Ferguson reserved special praise for Hernandez, who endured something of a sophomore slump last term after a blistering debut campaign with United.Hernandez faces a tough battle to hold down a regular place as he competes with Rooney, van Persie and Danny Welbeck, but Ferguson admits it is a selection headache he is happy to have.The boy is improving all the time. Hes a fantastic trainer and practises all the time, Ferguson said. Hes given me a problem and I think thats good. His goal ratio for us is fantastic.
