POST MATCH REACTIONS

Last updated : 24 November 2004 By editor

Sir Alex:

“I am proud of my players for the way they presented themselves. It was an open game and we could have scored a few more goals. Some of our football was great. I am pleased to have won the game as Lyon are difficult opponents.

“What a fantastic night for me. All day I was a bit nervous. I was thinking it could all fall a bit flat and we could lose the game. I was hoping we would win and the fans were fantastic.

“It was an excellent performance. The confidence and rhythm is coming back now. I was ecstatic with the second half. There was a lot of composure and of course Ruud scored another for us.

“Lyon are a very good side, undefeated this season, and it always takes a lot to beat a side like that. There wasn't a pressure, but certainly a hope everything would fall right for us.

“Last week was a great week for me. The press have portrayed me properly. I don't think it will last!”

As for finishing top of the group, Fergie isn’t too fussed:

“Being first or second doesn't really matter on some occasions. It is a difficult one to decide on. I will certainly make changes in the last game and put out a few players who need to be playing.”

Fergie paid tribute to Ruud:

“The man scored again, he is unbelievable. He only had a couple of chances and took up a perfect position to get the goal. You have to give Rio Ferdinand some credit in the build-up. He did exceptionally well to get the ball in.”

He also revealed that Gary Neville was under the weather and that he was about to bring him off when he scored:

“We thought we would give him a minute but then he scores a goal.”

Fergie had words of comfort for Roy Carroll as well:

“Roy has been very consistent. It can happen, goalkeepers make mistakes. I don't think it unbalanced us. We showed composure and gave a performance of real quality.”

Lyon coach Paul Le Guen:

“We have nothing to be ashamed of. We played some good football and I was pleased with the display considering the number of injuries we've had. Manchester United deserved to win. The crowd drives them forward and that's an important factor.

“They have a good mixture of talented individuals and experienced players and they should do well in the tournament.”