By Chris O'Brien
January 27 2005

Sir Alex Ferguson will not blame Tim Howard for Manchester United’s League Cup defeat at the hands of quadruple-chasing Chelsea. The Scotsman has pointed the finger at his defence as a Damien Duff free-kick eluded everybody in the box and found its way into the net. Sir Alex Ferguson will not blame goalkeeper Tim Howard for Chelsea’s second goal on Wednesday evening, knocking Manchester United out of the Football League Cup. The pressure has mounted on the under-fire American after a Damien Duff free-kick eluded everybody and found its way into the back of Howard’s net.

The Scotsman has pointed the finger at his defence who did not manage to block the long-range effort from Duff. If the US international had committed himself, perhaps the ball would have been cleared to safety, but United’s chief feels his record of never losing a domestic semi-final during his Old Trafford reign could have remained in tact has his backline been more daring.

"They scored from a free-kick that was 50 yards out so I'm not happy about that," said Ferguson.
"No, Howard was not at fault, I thought the defenders had every chance to attack the ball but they let it bounce.

"We played exceptionally well second half. We needed that bit of luck but we didn't get it. I don't think you could divide the two teams. They were a threat on the counter but I thought we dealt with that well."

Howard has been between the sticks for United in both the F.A Cup and Carling-backed League Cup this season, but has lost the first-choice position to Ulsterman Roy Carroll. However, both have taken criticism from supporters and it is thought Sir Alex Ferguson will move to bring in a new shot stopper at the end of the current campaign. A void still remains in the side following the departure of Peter Schmiechel almost six years ago.