SHARE

By NEIL CUSTIS

ALEX FERGUSON was ‘distraught’ as 10-man United crashed out of the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner sunk United after Nani’s controversial 56th-minute red card.

And Fergie’s assistant Mike Phelan admitted: “The manager is distraught — he is not in a fit state to talk about the decision.

“We were in control but the game totally changed. It was a crazy decision that ruined the spectacle of a great European night. I’ve left behind a distraught manager and a distraught dressing room.

“He is annoyed and knows if he stands in front of a camera now he won’t be doing it for many weeks to come.

“He knows I’m probably more diplomatic than he can be.”

Boss Fergie, who dropped a bombshell by leaving Wayne Rooney on the bench, erupted in fury as Nani was sent off for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Fergie stormed on to the touchline yelling at the fourth official and Turkish ref Cuneyt Cakir.

Angry United players surrounded the referee at the end and defender Rio Ferdinand applauded sarcastically into his face.

Nani insisted: “We are not allowed to say anything.”

But Phelan added: “The players are really down.

“It is very hard to describe. They have had this happen before but they will get over it. I don’t think you need to speak to the ref — it’s gone around the world.

“We felt the ball was in the air, the player was watching the ball.

“There was contact but that is the nature of football. To get a straight red card seems wrong.

“But this loss wasn’t of our making so why should we be despondent when we have everything to achieve?

“We still have an FA Cup tie, we’re still good in the league, so we’ll get over it.”
United grabbed a 2-1 aggregate lead through Sergio Ramos’ own goal.

But sub Luka Modric levelled on 66 minutes and Ronaldo got the winner three minutes later.

LEAVE A REPLY