Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at his defenders as
Manchester United survived a crazy first-half to
go top of the Premier League with a 4-3 win at
lowly Reading.
United twice fell behind as all seven goals were
scored in the opening 34 minutes at the
Madjeski Stadium. The Red Devils quickly
responded to Hal Robson-Kanu's opener, with
Anderson and Wayne Rooney on target, only to
immediately hand the lead back to their hosts
following two defensive set-piece lapses.
Diminutive striker Adam Le Fondre and Sean
Morrison were allowed free headers to leave
United 3-2 down and Ferguson responded by
hauling off Rafael for Chris Smalling. The move
seemingly worked, as a second Rooney goal
and a Robin van Persie strike quickly followed,
while United's fragility at the back disappeared.
But Ferguson still fumed afterwards, branding
the defensive display the worst of the season.