Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his disappointment with Manchester United’s performance during the 3-3 draw with Basel in the Champions League last night.

The Premier League champions led 2-0 early on, but let the Swiss side back into the game as the visitors scored three goals in 18 second-half minutes to go into the lead.

United then required a last-gasp effort from Ashley Young to salvage a point from a game they were not only expected to win comfortably, but were cruising in at the break.

Young’s first ever Champions League goal didn’t overshadow the defensive frailties United showed at times though and Ferguson hopes the display can act as wake up call for the rest of the campaign.

The United boss said: “I thought there was a carelessness about us throughout the game. The attacking part of our game was very good at times and there was some good football, particularly in the first half.

"There was a carelessness that cost us, though, and Basel could have scored three goals in the first half. I suppose you could say it was a welcome to European football for some of them but we were lax for most of the game.”

Referring to the defensive issues in particular, the Scotsman continued: “We've not had a settled defence but there was still enough quality in the back four, and with Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra it was very experienced.

"We played too many players forward and by doing that there were so many gaps in midfield to the back four. If we had concentrated on the back four we might not have had the problems we had."

There is no doubt that Basel surprised Manchester United with their attacking ability and perhaps the Red Devils went into the contest a little bit more confident than they should have been.

Then, at the break, even if they won’t admit it, they probably thought it was job done. In fairness, a lot of people that were placing a soccer bet in play probably did. However, Basel exploited some defensive frailties and fair play to them for that.

United can take positives too though, namely their three goals on the night. England striker Danny Welbeck grabbed the first too and it was good for them to see Young produce a vital strike at the highest level.

To rescue a point from what was a potentially disastrous situation shows excellent spirit too. This United team will never give up and even though they would have expected three points, at least they didn’t lose.

It does mean they have drawn both games in the Champions League so far though and there is no doubt that they will be looking at the double header against SC Otelul Galati in November as a much needed six points.

Before then though, they will get back to the defence of their Premier League title and Ferguson will be hoping for a more accomplished performance at home to newly promoted Norwich City.