Manchester United's groundsmen could face the wrath of Alex Ferguson after the manager blamed the Old Trafford playing surface for a scrappy performance in a nervy 2-1 home defeat of Southampton on Wednesday.
.
Wayne Rooney scored twice on a threadbare pitch to seal the points for United after Jay Rodriguez had punished a mixup between Michael Carrick and keeper David de Gea to put Southampton ahead after 3 minutes.
.
Rooney's first goal was the 100th at home for United but it did not disguise a lethargic performance from his teammates who were merely hanging on before the final whistle.
.
Ferguson was full of praise for Southampton who were impressive under new manager Mauricio Pochettino but clearly unhappy with the lack of grass on the pitch.
.
'' In the second half, the players just found the pitch impossible '', Ferguson, whose side moved seven points clear of Manchester City, told the club's website.