Sir Alex Ferguson: 'It's tough to leave out Ashley Young and Nani'

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that it was tough to leave out certain players for the clash against Real Madrid in midweek.

Ferguson's side came away from the Bernabeu with a 1-1 draw after Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Danny Welbeck's opener.

However, despite the positive result, Ferguson has revealed that there were many disappointed players in his squad after he told them that they were not in the team to face Real.

"There were a lot of disappointed players," Ferguson told The Express. "Nani and Ashley Young - international footballers - I found it hard to explain to them I was leaving them out.

"I explained to Chicharito that Robin van Persie is our main striker and we wanted someone to join in from a deeper position.

"Whenever Chicharito plays, he delivers. He has 14 goals, he will score more than 20 and will have opportunities."

Next up for the Premier League leaders is the visit of Reading in the FA Cup on Monday night.