Sir Alex Ferguson walks out of press conference yesterday

Manchester United are struggling in Europe! At least that is what the media believes in these days. Last night after the game, Sir Alex Ferguson was asked a question about the standards slipping in the Premier League because the two best teams from the league are struggling in Europe this season. Ferguson mocked the reporter and left the conference room smiling.

However De Gea’s poor clearance and Phil Jones own goal in the 3rd minute did not bring any smile on Sir Alex’s face. United conceded early and Berbatov equalized with a header, wh0 actually was clearly offside by at least 2 yards. Later on in the second half United stand-in captain Patrice Evra‘s cross found Darren Fletcher, who put his team ahead by slotting the ball into an empty net.

Just a minute after United went ahead, a De Gea blunder helped Benfica equalize through Aimar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Cq48CoxUimU

After the game when Sir Alex was asked to describe the two goals, Sir Alex Ferguson said,

” It was very disappointing. A bit freakish to be honest with you – an own goal and then a bad kick out from David De Gea. The passback could have been a little better but David should ave played it into the stands.”

It’s not very hard to agree to the notion that United are struggling in Europe. They have drawn 3 games and won 2 games but it was against the same opposition. However a comparison in dwindling performances with new entrants Manchester City is a bit far fetched. City like United have won only two games and it was also against the same opposition – Villareal. However, unlike United City lost two games, one against Munich and the latest being Napoli.

This was not the first time Alex Ferguson walked out of a press conference. Back in 2009, during a similar press conference ahead of a Champions League game, when he was asked about his views on the FA improper conduct charge for his comments on the match referee Alan Wiley, he left the conference room after saying: “Silly question and it gets no answer.” Classic Fergie!

^G.L