Ferguson fends off Forlan criticism

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has launched an impassioned defence of misfiring frontman Diego Forlan.

The £7million Uruguayan failed to find the target in 18 first-team outings for the Old Trafford club last season, leaving many fans moaning that his move from ArgentinEan outfit Independiente had been a mistake.

However, a well-taken goal for his country against Senegal in this summer's World Cup appeared to spark his confidence and goals against Chesterfield and Valerengen in the early part of the pre-season build-up suggested the 23-year-old was about to hit top form.