Besiktas stun complacent United

MANCHESTER UNITED still require a point to finish top of their Champions League qualifying group after Alex Ferguson fielded a Carling Cup side against Besiktas at Old Trafford and was punished with a 1-0 defeat.

A spectacular first-half goal from Rodrigo Tello was enough to earn the Turkish side victory and although United are already through to the knockout stages it is a matter of concern that tactical experiments have seen their home form in Europe dip alarmingly.

Don’t forget United had to come from behind to draw 3-3 with CSKA Moscow in their previous home tie after Ferguson opted to play two wingers with Michael Owen and Federico Macheda up front – and the system back-fired embarrassingly before the home team recovered with a late rally. This time Ferguson’s team selection was even more extreme and it led to their first home defeat in a group stage match since they lost to Deportivo eight years ago.