Sir Alex Ferguson was stunned by the manner of Manchester United's 4-0 Carling Cup exit at West Ham on Tuesday night. The holders crashed to their worst defeat since 2001 for their first loss of the season that ended their 29-match unbeaten run.
The Scot was deeply frustrated by United's defending and admitted his side had contributed to their own downfall.
"I didn't expect that, that's for sure. If you analyse it the goals we gave away were absolutely too soft," Ferguson told MUTV.
"We didn't expect that, they were terrible goals for us.
"We had one or two half chances and Gabriel Obertan had a shot saved by the goalkeeper (Robert Green) which then hit the post.
"The goals killed it. You can't just give goals away at this level."
West Ham were incensed to have an early strike ruled out for offside and Ferguson felt the perceived sense of injustice provided motivation.
"That first goal was a break for them. We were in control in the early part, played some good football. But goals change games," he said.
"The thing that sparked it was the goal that was disallowed because it got the crowd up.
"It was clearly offside because it came off one of their players and went into the net.
"It was clearly offside but they celebrated for so long. It spurred them on."
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