Match Reaction

Last updated : 30 April 2009 By editor

Fergie, "The most positive aspect is that before the game we spoke about trying to win without losing a goal and we've done that. The performance was very good and we've given ourselves a really good chance. The tie is obviously not over but we have players who can score a goal at their place and we have shown that we definitely carry a goal threat. We know we can go there and score and that's the problem for Arsenal."

When told that Arsene Wenger sounded upbeat Fergie said, "He has to. He'll be thinking it's a good day for him because he could have been out of the tie and he's not. We tend to do things the hard way at our club and once again it's a night when our supporters have been frustrated because we could have been in the final. We had enough chances to score four but their goalkeeper was really fantastic."

With United still in the title race, Fergie knows that Arsenal are able to rest players this weekend while we face a difficult trip to Middlesbrough. "That's Arsenal's advantage. They can play Pat Rice at right-back and Arsène Wenger can play centre-forward; it doesn't matter to them."

Arsene Wenger sounds relieved to have escaped only one goal down. "It was a difficult game for us and when you look at the number of clear-cut chances that Manchester United created then, of course, they were on top. The positive for us is that it's only 1-0 and next week, playing at home, I am confident you will see a different Arsenal.

"We still have a good chance to reverse the result. We have the quality to do it and we believe we do it. The tie is still very open. They will have regrets because they didn't get a second goal and it's down to us to make sure they regret it. It's a good opportunity to show our character and mental strength. There's a final at stake and, don't worry, when we are playing at home and can reach a final we will be up for it. I'm confident because I know we will be on top on Tuesday."

John O'Shea, "Overall, we have to be happy. We have the goal and we know we're capable of scoring down there. But the tie is definitely not over."

Ronaldo, "To win is always important, so 1-0 is good and we have to believe that we can go to Arsenal, play the same way and score goals. We know we could have scored more goals at Old Trafford but we didn't. This is football. Now we will go there and try to score one or two goals.

"We dominated the whole game. Arsenal are a fantastic team, who keep the ball well, but they didn't create a chance. I'm sure we will have a few opportunities to score down there, but we must respect Arsenal, they have a good coach and good players and we have to respect that."

Evra, "We are very disappointed, believe me. We should have made sure the tie was over. We should have scored at least two more goals. One more would have moved us closer to the final. It is not a good result, we should be in front with more goals. We did what Sir Alex asked us but we did not score enough, so it is still 50-50."

Almunia, "It was a difficult first-half because Manchester United were playing very strong and attacking with everything. We were a bit asleep at that moment and I was very busy during the first half, but you always expect that when you come to Old Trafford.

"You expect to soak up a lot of attacking with a lot of fantastic players in front of you. We did expect that before the game, but in the second half they were a bit tired and Arsenal have shown that they can beat them."

Bendtner, "I am 100 percent sure that we will pass through to the final. Of course you never feel good after a defeat but we look positive at the return game. I am confident that we will play the final."

Even if United score at the Emirates, the cocky little sod would not be worried. "Can we manage to score three goals? Yes, we have those qualities."

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