Ferguson rues late Porto strike

Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United could not afford to gift FC Porto their late equaliser at Old Trafford last night.

United head to Portugal next week knowing they must do something no other English side has managed in 11 previous attempts and defeat Porto on their own ground.

Barring an even bigger score draw, the 2-2 scoreline means the Champions League holders must win or go out at the quarter-final stage.

It did look as if United would collect a precious lead from the first-leg tie despite being outplayed during the opening period.

But Carlos Tevez’s 85th-minute effort was quickly cancelled out by Mariano, to leave Ferguson to reflect on what might have been.

“You have to think the last goal was one we could not afford to lose,” said the United boss.

“It was a terrible goal to give away when you are 2-1 up and seeing the game out.

“It is a difficult job now, not made any easier when they tell you no British team has won in Porto.”