VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

'Maybe things are turning for us a little bit now,' reflected Ferguson.

'We've got a bit of a break against Basle, and we got a break on Saturday with Liverpool and Arsenal losing.

'We returned to something like Manchester United on Saturday and we know that by Christmas all the players will be back.

'That give us a squad which will have fresh players into the new year and the second half of the season, so we are very hopeful.'

Fergie on Ruud

'Goals change games - and Ruud certainly did that tonight.

'His first goal changed the game while his second was a fantastic finish. He is a real match-winner.

'The second goal was absolutely brilliant. I thought he was going to cut it back, but then he saw the gap and took it on. He's a marvellous finisher - I see it in training every day.

'At the beginning of the second half, it was all their play - and at that point we needed a break.

We made it difficult for ourselves. There was a lack of experience in our defending and we had to battle through.

'But it was a good cross and a good header for the first goal, and from that point we were by far the better side.'

Ruud on Ruud:

'I was thinking 'I'm going to cross it or finish it'. I didn't see many people in front of goal - so I went for the finish, and it went in.

'And it was a great cross from Ole for the first goal - exactly where I wanted it.'

Fergie on O'Shea:

'He has not be playing centre-back the last few weeks, but at full-back.

'I did feel this was a real test for him as he's had only 20-odd games in senior football. He needs experience of games like this.

'The switch helped him and he came on to a good game in the second half.'

Ferguson on Bartman 'It was a great save, but we expect Barthez to make great saves because he is a great goalkeeper.'

Better than Liverpool

'Basle are technically a good team and got a perfect start, '

'Nine of our players hadn't touched the ball and we are 1-0 down.

'In big games there are moments when you ride your luck. I think we rode our luck.

'Once the first goal went in, the game opened up for us. We got stronger, we got better and Basle went back.

'Some of them tired, but the first goal killed them a bit. We worked very hard and it made for a good team performance.'

Basle coach Christian Gross reckons United could go on and reach the final at their Old Trafford home in May.

'They are a wonderful team,' he said. 'Van Nistelrooy is a special player and when all their injured players are back, they will be a big threat.'