Champions League: Ferguson's fears for Man Utd defence prove well founded in Turkey

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the lack of experience in the heart of his defence was a factor as his side squandered their 100% Champions League record this season with a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray.

Manchester United players express their shock after defeat against Galatasaray

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his fears over Manchester United's patchwork defence were realised after going down 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Burak Yilmaz's second-half header from a corner confirmed the Old Trafford manager's fears as United lost their 100% record in the competition this season.

However, with 18-year-old Nick Powell hitting the bar on his first start, and Phil Jones making his first appearance of the season after back and knee problems, the manager was quick to highlight the positives of the performance.

"We worried about set pieces and that was the area we suffered," said Ferguson afterwards.

"That was always going to be a problem considering the lack of experience and height.

"But otherwise it was a decent performance. Parts of the game were good and we handled the atmosphere."

Ferguson was critical of early challenges from Felipe Melo and Semih Kaya, both of which he felt warranted red cards.

Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo opted to keep his cards in his pocket though, and Galatasaray took advantage, with Hamit Altintop twice coming close in addition to Yilmaz's fifth goal in the competition.

At least though, the damage is not as serious as 19 years ago, when United were sent crashing out of the competition.

The stadium is different as well, even if the incredible noise levels seem to be the same.

"It is a fantastic stadium and obviously an improvement from the old one," said Ferguson.

"There is not much difference in the atmosphere.

"The biggest change since then is that we have won the competition twice and we have qualified for the last 16 this year too."

Galatasaray will join them if they match Cluj's result at Old Trafford in two weeks.

"We'll play a similar team against Cluj, that goes without saying," said Ferguson.

"We've qualified and there's no reason why we shouldn't use the squad."

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim was understandably delighted at securing such a notable triumph.

"We deserved this victory," he said.

"We dominated the game and in the end found the goal that we needed. When you play against a team like Manchester United, you cannot go slowly. You have to be enthusiastic and wise.

"I am fortunate my players were able to be both things this evening."

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