REACTIONS

Last updated : 10 December 2003 By Editor

Ferguson:

"I'm delighted. We kept our patience, had good possession of
the ball. I'm very pleased. It was a European performance
really. It was important from one aspect to keep our home
record going. Our home record has been outstanding.

"It may also get us an easier type draw, but you can't get a
much easier draw as the second-placed teams are very
formidable. Stuttgart are a good team and that says a lot
for Manchester United to score two goals against them. Given
their record this season we are very pleased about that."

Fergie was pleased to see Scholes back:

"He has imagination and composure on the ball - you need
that kind of player. When he comes back into your side and
gives that type of performance, you know what you have
missed. When you see some of the things he did, the passes,
his composure and vision, it reminds you what we have missed
over the past seven weeks.

"He's a great player and great players are always missed."

And what post-match interview would be complete without some
praise for Van Nistelrooy?

"Ruud has a phenomenal record but he is a phenomenal player.
I have seen the replay of his goal. It wasn't the easiest
chance in the world but he completely wrong-footed the
goalkeeper."