Man Utd boss Ferguson: Season no write-off for Hargreaves

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Owen Hargreaves' season is not a write-off after not selecting him for their Champions League squad.

Ferguson was gambling against the more immediate priority of a duel with old boy David Beckham in the San Siro on February 16 when he eventually decided young defender Ritchie de Laet was the wisest choice among the players who will now shape United's European destiny.

"It would be nice to think we could get to the European Cup final and have Owen Hargreaves available," said Ferguson.

"But we are not there. We have AC Milan in 10 days' time and we need to win that game.

"If I was choosing Owen I would have had to leave another important player out because he will not be available for the AC Milan game. That important player might be the one I need.

"I had to choose and it was a hard decision. But it is the correct decision."