Ferguson hails big-game stars

“I have to congratulate my lads. We’ve had a great week, but a hard week with the programme we’ve had. So, well done lads.”

Sir Alex Ferguson praised his players for emerging triumphant from a hugely important week, having reached the Champions League final and moved to within four points of the league title.

Sandwiched between two 2-0 victories against Middlesbrough and Manchester City in the league, the Reds earned a place in the Champions League final in Rome with an outstanding 3-1 win at Arsenal. “I have to congratulate my lads,” said Sir Alex. “We’ve had a great week, but a hard week with the programme we’ve had. So, well done lads.”

United rarely looked troubled against City, but Sir Alex admitted he didn’t particularly enjoy the game. “We didn’t play well today,” he said. “Derby games can be that way, they can be horrible. I think we got a horrible game today. City didn’t look like scoring. They had one chance from Robinho in the second half, but apart from that there weren’t really any chances. Our second goal just killed the game. We settled for 2-0, and the lads made sure that we didn’t lose the game.”

Next up for the Reds is the league game in hand against Wigan on Wednesday. “It’s a hard game and we only have three days to prepare,” added the boss. “I’ll freshen my team up. We’ll make two or three changes again. We need to do that, to keep the squad playing. I’ve got a big squad, so I will use it.”

Rio Ferdinand, who missed Sunday’s derby with a calf strain, could return at Wigan but Sir Alex will want to ensure the hugely influential centre-back is fit for Arsenal's visit on Saturday. “We’ll see if he’s fit for Wednesday, and certainly for Saturday against Arsenal.”