Howard to lose place despite Fergie defence

ALEX FERGUSON has once again backed Tim Howard over the goal that cost Manchester United a place in the Carling cup final. But his words may not be enough to earn the American an FA Cup starting slot against Middlesbrough today.

While most pundits blamed the keeper for allowing Damien Duff’s freekick to bounce in against Chelsea on Wednesday, Ferguson’s reaction was to point the finger at his defence.

After analysing the game on video, Ferguson is sticking to his initial view and claimed Howard was blameless for defeat in a much-hyped contest he felt his team were controlling.