Andre Villas-Boas defends Fernando Torres after miss

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has defended striker Fernando Torres after his miss in their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The striker had earlier pulled a goal back for the Blues, but with five minutes to go he rounded United keeper David de Gea before firing wide of an empty net.

"You have to be fair. We have seen two of the world's best strikers miss crazy opportunities, Fernando with his miss and Wayne Rooney with his penalty. This is nothing dramatic but sometimes it becomes something."

The defeat leaves Chelsea third in the Premier League table, and they next host Fulham in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.