• Premier League

Fergie points finger at Nani after cup exit

ESPN staff
November 1, 2012
Nani scored against Chelsea, but also produced a costly late error © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson has placed the blame for Manchester United's Capital One Cup loss to Chelsea on winger Nani, who lost possession in the final seconds of normal time.

Nani, 25, surrendered the ball in the dying stages as United led 3-2 on Wednesday. Chelsea then made their way to goal and won the penalty that sent the match into extra-time.

Despite scoring United's third goal to give them the lead, Nani came under heavy fire from Ferguson for his costly error.

"We gave the ball away for the third goal having been in complete control of the match at that point," Ferguson said. "All we needed to do was see the game out with good possession.

"Nani is experienced but he's a player who wants to beat men and I often discourage him from that. In that situation, if we'd kept the ball at the corner flag, the game's over.

"They had a lot of attacks and nothing came of them, and our counter-attack was very good, but if you're winning 3-2 in the final seconds of the game then you should see it out. We've only got ourselves to blame really.

"They're at home, you'd expect them to attack and they did. The way we approach games is always wanting to win, so you were always going to get an open game."

Ferguson's comments add to claims that Nani is unsettled at Old Trafford, having been given limited playing time this season. He is reported to be after a move in the summer, with a number of Serie A clubs interested in his services.

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