Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has explained his decision to leave in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov out of the opening Champions League game.

The Red Devils were held to a scoreless draw by Scotland's Rangers with Ferguson preferring to use summer signing Javier Hernandez instead of the Bulgarian, who has scored three times in four league games so far this term.

Ferguson admitted he wanted to give the Mexican a chance but conceded that Berbatov's presence may have made the result different.

'We wanted to see how Hernandez would do in a full game," said Ferguson.

"Because of that we left Berbatov out and his form has been absolutely fantastic.

"He has been one of our best players this season and his ability to create in tight situations would have made a difference."