Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to critics of his European system by insisting it works.
His tactic of using a five-man midfield and Ruud van Nistelrooy as a lone striker in the Champions League has come under renewed fire following Manchester United's draw with Nantes. Critics argue United perform better when they play their tried-and-trusted 4-4-2 formation.
Ferguson disagrees ,and he claims United's victory over Olympiakos in Athens and their draw against European Cup holders Bayern Munich in the Olympic Stadium are proof the system does work.
He said: "When you analyse our performances, against Deportivo it was an absolutely superb performance, but for five minutes when we threw the game away.
"It was an excellent performance in Munich and then two minutes to go we lost a goal, while we beat Olympiakos away from home 2-0 which was their first -ever defeat in the Champions League at home," Ferguson said.
"This is the evidence that tells you it works, but the press never gave it a chance, and the players will listen to the press a little bit".
Ferguson claims his system, which usually features Paul Scholes operating in the hole behind van Nistelrooy, is an evolution of the way United have played for the last 10 years.
PA