Fergie "black-out"

Sir Alex Ferguson left Israeli journalists unimpressed after getting tonight's opponents mixed-up.

The Manchester United boss spoke at a media conference yesterday about facing Hapoel Tel Aviv, when his team are actually playing Maccabi Haifa tonight.

Sir Alex said, "We are playing well but have to improve our finishing."

"Maybe it is down to the decision making - passing when there is not a pass on and shooting when there is not a shot on."

Asked about his opponents by an Israeli journalist, Fergie replied: "Their form last season versus Lokomotiv Moscow, Parma and AC Milan was a big step up for them."

"We certainly will not underestimate them in any shape or form."

Problem was, that was what Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved last season, not Maccabi Haifa.

On hearing the answer the journalist said: "That's a different team."

Ferguson replied: "You mean there's changes?"

Lilach Sonim said: "No it's a different team!"

Fergie frowned: "Oh, sorry, that's the second time I've done that."

The journalist later told The Sun, "I was embarrassed for him. There will be a lot of disappointment about this back home."