Ferguson rues missed chances

A bitterly disappointed Alex Ferguson blamed missed chances for Manchester United shock 2-1 defeat by Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Two goals from Norwegian forward Morten Gamst Pedersen secured the upset, his 81st minute winner following a second-half equaliser from Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"In the first half, we were far too open and Blackburn played some terrific football," Ferguson said.

"We had a lot of chances but never hit the target - Blackburn at least were hitting the target and deserved to go in the lead. We had a great surge in the second half, got to 1-1 and I thought at that point we should take over. But a lapse of concentration at the back cost us the game.

"It's a terrible disappointment losing your home games," said the Scot. "Our home record over the years has always been terrific."

Blackburn, managed by former United striker Mark Hughes, were also given credit by Ferguson for coming to Old Trafford in search of three points.

"They came and had a go - and when teams do that they deserve what they get," he said. "Most teams that come here play tight at the back with everyone behind the ball. But they kept two players up the pitch and it gave them great counter-attack opportunities at times."

United's defeat coincided with a 2-1 victory for Chelsea that left the champions and runaway league leaders 10 points clear of Ferguson's men. Playing down the gap, Ferguson said: "The most important thing is to try and get our own game right and win games.

Rooney decision

"Today was a hiccup, there is no question about that. It was a setback. In the past, we've shown that we do well in adversity. That's the test now."

Ferguson said England striker Wayne Rooney had been kept on the bench until the second half to prepare the team for his absence due to suspension from this week's Champions League game at home to Benfica.

Hughes, who scored over 160 goals in more than 450 appearances during two spells at United, was vindicated for his attacking tactics.

"I felt we could get something out of the game straight from the off and that's why we went 4-4-2," he said.

"It was a really satisfying performance... we deserved to win."