Fergie rues goal threat!

Fergie rues goal threat!


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that his team failed to get the best out of Dutch striker Robin Van Persie during their defeat against Everton at Goodison Park.

Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini got Everton's winner in the second half to beat a United side missing four defenders, including Rio Ferdinand, due to injury. Due to the defensive deficiencies Michael Carrick filled in at centre back with winger Antonio Valencia starting at right back. Dutch striker Robin Van Persie, who signed from Arsenal for £24 million, came on in the second half after Fellaini's goal to make his United debut, though, he didn't get a shot on target.

"We played around him too much. We didn't show enough penetration," said Ferguson.
"With Robin in your team, you know you want to use his ability against centre-backs in situations he is very good at, but we didn't use him enough."

Although most fans were looking forward to last seasons top scorer's Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie starting for United, Fergie opted to pair Rooney and Danny Welbeck upfront due to Van Persie's lack of match fitness. Though, Van Persie did make his debut when he came on for Welbeck in the 68th minute. United, however, failed to break down an Everton side who had a fantastic first half and defended excellently in the second half and ended up losing their opening fixture for the first time in eight years.

Ferguson admitted his side failed to cope with Toffees forward Fellaini, adding: "Fellaini is a handful. He is a big, tall, gangly lad and they just lumped the ball forward to him. That's all they did. They worked from that base all the time and they got a goal from him, so it's justified."

Fergie was missing four defenders for the trip to Goodison with Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all injured, though, he had no criticism of Michael Carrick's performance at centre back. David De Gea had an excellent game in goals and denied Everton a host of chances to take the lead.

Disappointing start for United, the problems at centre back need to solved and the issues in midfield need to be sorted out. Although, United failed to get the three points it's not the end of the world as it's a long season ahead and 10 days left in the transfer window for United to solve their obvious issues in midfield.