United paid a price for weakened Scholes-less side against Bilbao. A home defeat to a team that even the Spanish giants dare not face without their full-strength teams. Yesterday the team received some compensation for this defeat – when a full-strength team defeated the 3rd best away side in the Premier League with relative ease. Ferguson may not have an elite side this term – but has a clear hierarchy of competitions.
By contrast City started a full strength team in Lisbon, and started the game at Swansea without Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. They were completely outplayed in the first period, although the just Swansea winner came in a more balanced second half.
It cost them the game and the division summit.
WHAT TO DO NOW?