FERGUSON TAKES THE PLAUDITS

Last updated : 30 January 2006 By editor

Ferguson talks up his team selection:

“We controlled most of the match. We were off to a dream start with Kieran’s goal. It was particularly pleasing to see him get a second, not having scored for the club in a Cup tie before.

"Kieran was terrific and has been one of our best players during the last three games," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's still only 21 but he's maturing all the time and we're really pleased with him.

"Louis was a great threat. He made a terrific run for his goal and finished very well at a great time just before the break. He is a great threat and when you add him to Wayne Rooney and Ruud Nistelrooy, it gives us a lot of variety.

We got the goals at the right time and the players dug in really well and showed a great appetite to win the match."

Ferguson was also pleased with Nemanja Vidic and Ji-sung Park:

"Nemanja did very well and showed what a really good defender he is, he understands the game well and was very alert. The ninety minutes will have done him good and he'll continue to get better.

"Park's movement off the ball was excellent and his awareness of space is terrific.

"Cristiano Ronaldo got a knock on the side of his knee on Thursday morning, "added Fergie. "But hopefully he should be ready for Wednesday."