Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Bolton were over aggressive in their game against Manchester United on Saturday, with a poor challenge by Kevin Davies resulting in a broken foot for Tom Cleverley.
United romped home 5-0 victors, as Wayne Rooney continued his sparkling start to the season with another hat-trick, but the Scottish manager focussed on the negatives of the match.
“We think Cleverley has a broken foot. It was a bad tackle and we will see tomorrow morning. We had to endure it but we kept playing our football,” the Reds boss told reporters after the game.
Ferguson also revealed a number of other players picked up knocks, and may now miss the English side’s first Champions League match.
“Jonny Evans has hurt his hip. He is doubtful for Benfica on Wednesday. Patrice Evra has a knock on his knee,” he continued.
The Old Trafford outfit have now won all four of their Premier League games in style this season, and will look to take this form to Portugal, as they take on Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday.
“Benfica-United has a ring to it because of the history. But it’s an important game in its own right. Whoever wins gets a valuable headstart in the group,” Ferguson continued.
“There’s no doubt the younger players will get good experience in the Champions League this season, but the important thing is to qualify. The home games will be better for them.
“Our first home game is against Basel and the young players are capable of playing in that kind of game – but Benfica away is one you have to respect. They operate with three midfielders and we will have to look at that. It will be the hardest part for us,” he concluded.
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