Sir Alex set for marathon

"Rafael is maturing. He's 22 years of age but came here as a young kid and was in the first-team at 18. He made rash mistakes because he's such an enthusiastic boy but he's maturing and is learning from that."

Sir Alex refused to accept that a lack of a width was an issue with no out-and-out wingers in the starting line-up, although Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck played on the flanks when coming on as substitutes. 

"We've operated with a diamond quite a few times this season so I don't think that's any excuse," he stated.

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