SIR Alex Ferguson has admitted that his decision not to sign Morten Gamst Pedersen has somewhat backfired.

Pedersen has proved a particular thorn in Ferguson's side, scoring both goals in Blackburn's Premiership win in September as well as levelling Louis Saha's opener in the semi-final first leg a fortnight ago.

"Pedersen seems to be making his reputation against us," said Ferguson, who had the 24-year-old watched a couple of seasons ago.

"We saw him play and had some good reports on him. We just didn't think he was what we wanted at the time because we had just signed Cristiano Ronaldo, we already had Ryan Giggs - and Kieran Richardson was coming through as well.

"It happens. A lot of times you see players who take your eye but you are maybe overloaded in that particular position. You don't do anything about it.

"Blackburn are a strong, physical team and they are very hard to beat - so you would expect them to believe they have a chance," added the United boss.

"But I am going to play a strong team, one I hope will get us through."