Champions League: Sir Alex Ferguson struggles to make case for Manchester United defence

The Manchester United manager has been left baffled by his side's defensive problems, after going behind for the eighth time this season.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, admits he has no idea what is behind his side's suddenly porous back line.

For the eighth time in 12 games this season United found themselves behind, this time to Braga at Old Trafford in the Champions League.

Manchester United required a Javier Hernandez brace to help drag them back to the 3-2 victory which all but guarantees qualification for the next phase of the competition.

However, with Chelsea to come twice, and a Premier League home game against Arsenal before the rematch with Braga in two weeks, Ferguson knows unless he finds a solution, his team could be in massive trouble.

"I can't get to the bottom of it, I am afraid," he said.

"If you analyse the goals we are losing, they have come from throw-ins, crosses, cutbacks, all sorts, and they are finding players free in the box.

"It is difficult to put your finger on it, and it is a concern because it is making it difficult for us."

United replaced Rio Ferdinand in central defence with Michael Carrick, who was exposed for Braga's second goal after being turned by Eder to set up Alan with an easy finish.

At that stage, United were already trailing as Alan had opened his account after just two minutes.

But Hernandez prompted a fightback and after pulling a goal back from close range, he also bagged the winner 15 minutes from time after he got on the end of Tom Cleverley's far post cross.

"The boy is improving all the time," Ferguson said of the Mexican.

"His goal ratio is fantastic and the way he bent his run for the second goal was terrific.

"He is a fantastic trainer and he has given me a problem, which is good."

The victory did not come without its pain either as Shinji Kagawa was forced off with a twisted knee that will be assessed tomorrow.

In addition, Anders Lindegaard has a thumb injury that will prevent him from being involved in Sunday's title clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile Braga coach Jose Peseiro was left disappointed after initially harbouring such high hopes.

"I am happy with my players and the effort they put in, but the aim was to take away some points, so when you lose it is disappointing," he said.

"We played very well in the first half and controlled their attack.

"In the second half they put more players around the ball and we could not get forward.

"My team deserved to draw so I must wait for 15 days to have another go at them. Hopefully we play better at home."

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