Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester United deserved a draw in their Carling Cup semifinal first-leg defeat at Manchester City.
Ancelotti says critics are wrong to claim United are weaker for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
He said: "The claims are misplaced, I assure you. Even in the derby with City they played well for the last 30 minutes and deserved a draw. I admired Wayne Rooney, an absolute champion.
"(Sir Alex) Ferguson is without Rio Ferdinand and (Nemanja) Vidic, and in defence is paying a price."
