Soccer: Ferguson repents for FA Cup flop

Manchester United soccer manager Sir Alex Ferguson apologised to his team's fans after what he called their worst FA Cup performance in the shock 0-0 draw with minor league Exeter City.

Exeter, who have spent most of their 101-year history at the bottom of the Football League, defied United, FA Cup holders and winners of the competition a record 11 times, at Old Trafford.

Ferguson said he regretted his decision to start with an experimental, second-string side.

"The quality was poor ... " Ferguson told MUTV. "We got into great scoring opportunities, but it was Exeter's day and there's nothing we can do about that.

"We're all disappointed, and that's why I say to the fans, 'I apologise'. In the 18 years I've been here, that's without a doubt the worst performance in the FA Cup."

Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe was delighted with a result that will bring in welcome funds from a money-spinning replay at St James' Park on January 18.

"I'm immensely proud of them and I think there's a lot of people in Exeter who will echo that."

- REUTERS