United Lost But No Need To Worry

Inter Milan might have won at Old Trafford but we should not panic.

Of course, I haven't met Manchester United fans who did start panicking but if any of you considered it, then don't.

The fact is that neither side fielded their strongest team and while it's true that Inter were well on top in the first half despite our leading goal, I think the mistakes we have committed in defence are not usual.

We know Rio and Vida: they are way better than what they had shown. Their concentration was simply not up to this match, I think the Community Shield and the Premiership opener is much more important at the moment.

So congratulations, Inter, and let's hear Sir Alex's opinion.

"It was a meaningful game," he told MUTV. "We understand that when we go to the Far East the quality isn`t going to be as high as it was tonight, that`s obvious. So tonight`s game was needed, we needed that tempo to the match.

"The sharpness and the professionalism of the Inter Milan team was very good, their tackling and defending was aggressive. We needed that type of game too.

"All in all the four games in the Far East were a step in terms of playing games, tonight was a step forward in terms of the pace needed to win top matches."

If you defend like that you`re going to lose but, in fairness to them, they stepped up and did much better in the second half.

"There was some really good one-touch play at times and it was a delight. Even with the experience of Inter Milan, there was nothing they could do about it at times. But I`m happy overall with the workout of the night.

Next turn: Doncaster, tomorrow. Anderson and Hargreaves might play there so don't miss it if you're as keen on finally seeing the new boys in action as myself.