Sir Alex's absence from United game explained

Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't present for Manchester United's game at Schunthorpe last night and relied on assistant manager Mike Phelan to take over the reigns. Phelan revealed that it was because the boss was away scouting Valencia, United's next opponents in the champions league.

Unai Emery's side have started the season in fine form, topping La Liga and romping to a 4-0 victory at Bursaspor in their opening Group C encounter, prompting a personal check from the United manager during Wednesday's domestic clash with Atletico Madrid. "He had to make some priorities and he chose that he wouldn't come to this game; he would leave it to his other people to do," Phelan told Sky Sports. "It's important, after drawing the Rangers game, that we prepare properly and we get a good view of Valencia, who've started their season very well". Sir Alex's absence left Phelan in charge of the Reds' third round clash at Glanford Park, and he was delighted to see a host of action-starved players gel well against an impressive Scunthorpe side.