Ferguson puts faith in strikers

Queiroz told O'Jogo newspaper: "People have been crying out for us to use a 4-4-2 formation and we played with that system for the first time and lost.

"We played what the public wanted and lost. This is why in football stupidity and imagination have no limits."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sympathised, adding: "I found the booing appalling."

He said: "You know I'm not Ferguson's best friend and, of course, like the players we are only as a good as our last game.

"But what this guy has done for the club, I find it horrendous and nearly unbelievable."

I bet Sir Alex is hurting at the moment From BT Have your say on 606

Ferguson himself is reluctant to make an issue of the booing episode and is backing United's supporters to create a good atmosphere against Benfica when they meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"European nights have always been special at Old Trafford," said Ferguson.

"They have always had an extra edge and I am sure the supporters will be great.

"I don't want to talk about myself. The game is the most important thing and we are doing a good job getting the players back from Saturday's defeat."

Ferguson bore the weight of anger on Saturday as growing criticism over his team's tactics and the surprising omission of Wayne Rooney in the starting line-up led to tempers in the stands boiling over.

United started the match against Blackburn with a 4-5-1 formation but reverted to 4-4-2 for the last half-hour of the game.

More on the 4-5-1 formation

The defeat to Rovers left United sixth in the Premiership table, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Meanwhile, United legend Alex Stepney believes that the booing at Old Trafford on Saturday was born of frustration.

"When a team has had so much success, people want to see that team winning," Stepney told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Chelsea have taken over - Arsenal won the Premiership without losing a game. Supporters want the good times back."