FERGIE DOWN BUT….

"It is a bitter blow," admitted Ferguson. "Our record at home over the years has been terrific. We know the crux of the problem. If someone told me we would create eight clear-cut chances in the first half of every game I would be delighted.

"But if they said we wouldn't hit the target with any of them, I would see a few danger signs. I can't deny Blackburn their victory because they came here to win. But when Ruud equalised, I thought the game was there for us.

"Paul Scholes is a great player, but great players still make mistakes. He won't make too many of those in his career."