Fergie frustrated as ‘freak’ goals cost United

MANCHESTER UNITED’S Achilles’ heel, a defence that has displayed uncharacteristic flaws in Europe and at home so far this season, again cost Alex Ferguson dear following 80 potentially disastrous seconds that leaves them facing the possibility of Champions League elimination.

Leading 2-1, from Darren Fletcher’s goal after the hour, United gifted Benfica an equaliser within a matter of moments, costing them what would have been the 100th Champions League victory in their history.

Far more costly than that, however, while the draw took Benfica through to the knockout stages of the tournament, United face an anxious visit to Switzerland next month to face FC Basel.