Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded that his side deserved to be beaten by Chelsea at Old Trafford earlier today.

A late goal from Juan Mata was enough for the Blues to leave the North West with a 1-0 victory, which has boosted their chances of securing Champions League football for next season.

Reflecting on his side's display, Ferguson admitted that he had "expected a better performance".

"There is always an expectation that we should do better. We expected a better performance. After the goal we had no time to get back in it. After that the game was start-stop," he told BBC Sport.

"It was difficult for players coming in. Chelsea had everything to play for. [Some of our players] haven't played for quite a while. That being said, we should be doing better."

Next up for the champions is a home clash against Swansea City.