Alex Ferguson has said that he places no blame on his players after they were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group C Champions League clash with Benfica at Old Trafford.

The result means that Benfica advance to the last 16, while United must overcome Basel in their final match in order to qualify.

If the Red Devils qualify in second place, they are likely to face Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

"It makes it a bit harder, of course. But maybe the bigger game would suit us anyway," Ferguson said after the game.

"The opportunity to play Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, you have to judge that this way."

Benfica must defeat Otelul Galati in Lisbon in order to stay top of the group, and Ferguson believes that it is likely they will.

"We are in the situation of finishing second, because I am sure Benfica will win that match," he said. "The chips are down."

Despite a Phil Jones own goal, Ferguson refuses to blame his players for the match.

"We did not deserve what happened. We played terrific football," he said.

"I have no fault with my players. It is a cruel game at times and it was cruel for us here."

Manchester United face Basel on Wednesday, December 7.