Posted by: indian idol fever April 1, 2008
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Victorious Ferguson: I Should Have Switched Rooney Sooner
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson professed himself to be "very, very pleased" after his side produced an impressive tactical performance to beat Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Asked by ITV Sport if he rated their performance as United's best in Europe this season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson hesitated before saying: "Possibly, yes, in view of the quality of the opposition."
He added: “It’s a very good team we played against of course. We had to defend really well at times.
“We had some lucky breaks in the second half - they could have scored a couple.â€
However, Ferguson also admitted: “I should have put Wayne Rooney through the middle quicker. I waited too long,†a reference to the tactical change that reaped almost immediate dividends when Rooney added United's second with another potentially priceless away goal.
Ferguson praised his team's "good, disciplined performance," and stressed: "We didn't lose a goal, which was really vital."
And he summed up the night by saying: “It’s a fantastic scoreline for us and I’m very, very pleased.â€
The one concern for United was an injury to Nemanja Vidic, who was substituted in the first half. Ferguson explained: “It’s a knee injury. We’re just praying it’s not anything other than a nerve injury.â€
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opener with a stunning header, claimed United were well worth their victory.
Ronaldo produced a brave, spring-heeled jump to power a Paul Scholes cross down into the net and set United on their way to a commanding first leg lead.
"It's a very good performance. Everyone knows it's a tough game. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances," Ronaldo told ITV1 before leaving the pitch in Rome.
"I think we deserved this win."
It was his 36th goal of a remarkably productive season, and he added: "It's a good header, and I feel very happy because I scored the goal and I helped the team."
Asked about the contribution of the United defence, Ronaldo praised his team-mates. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown provided a solid platform and Ronaldo acknowledged this when he said: "Rio, Vid and Pat and everyone played very well."
The Portugal winger now feels United have an excellent opportunity to win the competition.
"I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he said. "Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."
He added: “It’s a very good team we played against of course. We had to defend really well at times.
“We had some lucky breaks in the second half - they could have scored a couple.â€
However, Ferguson also admitted: “I should have put Wayne Rooney through the middle quicker. I waited too long,†a reference to the tactical change that reaped almost immediate dividends when Rooney added United's second with another potentially priceless away goal.
Ferguson praised his team's "good, disciplined performance," and stressed: "We didn't lose a goal, which was really vital."
And he summed up the night by saying: “It’s a fantastic scoreline for us and I’m very, very pleased.â€
The one concern for United was an injury to Nemanja Vidic, who was substituted in the first half. Ferguson explained: “It’s a knee injury. We’re just praying it’s not anything other than a nerve injury.â€
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opener with a stunning header, claimed United were well worth their victory.
Ronaldo produced a brave, spring-heeled jump to power a Paul Scholes cross down into the net and set United on their way to a commanding first leg lead.
"It's a very good performance. Everyone knows it's a tough game. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances," Ronaldo told ITV1 before leaving the pitch in Rome.
"I think we deserved this win."
It was his 36th goal of a remarkably productive season, and he added: "It's a good header, and I feel very happy because I scored the goal and I helped the team."
Asked about the contribution of the United defence, Ronaldo praised his team-mates. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown provided a solid platform and Ronaldo acknowledged this when he said: "Rio, Vid and Pat and everyone played very well."
The Portugal winger now feels United have an excellent opportunity to win the competition.
"I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he said. "Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."