Sir Alex Ferguson regrets resting Dimitar Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson admits it was a mistake to leave in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov out of his match-day squad to face Rangers in Manchester United’s opening Champions League Group C game.

The United boss rung the changes in the wake of the Red Devils’ 3-3 draw at Everton on Saturday. Berbatov, who sparkled in the away trip to Merseyside, was rested for Tuesday’s clash with highly-rated Mexican Javier Hernández selected to lead the line at Old Trafford.

However, Walter Smith’s Rangers were well organised managed to keep the home side relatively quiet for 90 minutes as the two sides played out a goalless draw. United, who have won Europe’s most prestigious competition on three occasions, lacked thrust and invention up front – an observation Ferguson alluded to after the match.

“It was a frustrating night for us,” said Ferguson. “They were well organised and defended so deep, it was difficult to open them up at all.

“We wanted to see how Javier Hernández would do in a full game,” he added. “Because of that we left Berbatov out and his form has been absolutely fantastic.

“He has been one of our best players this season and his ability to create in tight situations would have made a difference.

“We didn’t test their goalkeeper at all, apart from a couple of shots straight at him.”