Old Trafford jeers for Fergie as Hughes gets tactics spot on

Man Utd 1 Blackburn 2

Not an unusual occurrence at Old Trafford, except in this instance, it was the leader of the opposition being hailed and Sir Alex Ferguson on the end of the barracking.

The world might not have spun off its axis, but maybe, at some point in the future, it was the subtle movement on which a dynasty would change.

Mark Hughes is less than 12 months into his first Barclays Premiership job yet already he has developed the tactical nous to outflank the man who for six years guided his career.

To a man, the United contingent expected Hughes' Blackburn to throw a heavy blanket over their defence.

"Blackburn surprised us with their positive attitude," admitted Ferguson.

"Most teams who come to Old Trafford are very tight at the back and bring everyone behind the ball.

"I expected them to stifle the game but they played two strikers high up the pitch and it gave them a great option on the counter-attack.

"I have no complaints. Blackburn had a go and when you do that, you deserve whatever you get."

Blackburn's victory was a harsh way for Hughes to reward the home supporters who offered him such a warm reception. Even in defeat, the respect remained, possibly acknowledging the abilities of a man who could yet emerge as Ferguson's successor.

A combination of growing disenchantment with Ferguson's continuing reluctance to revert back to United's historic use of orthodox wingers flanking two strikers and the decision to leave Wayne Rooney on the bench led to an outpouring of emotion seldom seen since the dark days of the Scot's reign back in the late 1980s.

By that time, United were trailing to Morten Gamst Pedersen's opener and, with Craig Bellamy, in particular, creating havoc, knew they would have been even further adrift had it not been for a trio of magnificent saves from Edwin van der Sar.

The hosts wasted plenty of chances of their own until Rooney's introduction gave them fresh impetus.

It was Rooney's thunderous strike that allowed Ruud van Nistelrooy to level but though United looked set to go on and seal maximum points, it was Blackburn who got the win, Pedersen firing home a second 10 minutes from time after Paul Scholes had presented Michael Gray with possession on the edge of the home box.

The result leaves Ferguson's side 10 points adrift of Chelsea, whose 100% record is not as great a concern to the United boss as his own side's inability to take their opportunities.

"If someone told me we would create eight clear chances before half-time in every home game I would be delighted," he said. "But when you miss the target with them all, the danger signs start to come out.

"There is no doubt it is a setback but we have shown in the past how good we are at bouncing back from adversity. That is the test for us now."

Ferguson defended Rooney's omission on the basis his young striker is suspended from Tuesday's Champions League tussle with Benfica.

Hughes is too deeply immersed in Red Devils culture to publicly criticise any of his former manager's decisions, although he did admit to being "grateful" Rooney did not start.

"They've so many great players but I just felt there were areas where we could break quickly and exploit some gaps they would leave," Hughes said.

"It was a very satisfying win and I hope people give us the credit because too many have been quick to criticise how we go about our business.

"But you write United off at your peril. Time and again, people have done that and they always come up with the answers. I am sure they will recover very quickly."

OPTA stats: Blackburn won for the first time at Old Trafford in the Premiership.

United have won only two of their last eight north-west derbies at Old Trafford.

United have won only three of the last 10 Premiership meetings with Blackburn.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has scored a goal in each of the last four meetings with Blackburn at Old Trafford.

United fired 28 shots at goal; only five were on target.