They were too good for us

Last updated : 13 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Sir Bobby

"I thought before the match that we would give Manchester United their most difficult away match. As it turns out, we've actually given them their easiest match.

"It was a mental aberration as far as I'm concerned. It was always going to be a test and a challenge for us, but through that mental situation, we looked physically weak.

"In spite of going 1-0 in the lead when I thought 'Here we go again, this is now going to be a tough match for Manchester United'.

"I think they thought that, but they had an inspired spell of about 15 minutes when they played very well and took the game by the scruff of the neck and put themselves in a marvellous position and looked a cut above us.

"I saw Manchester United being out-smarted on Tuesday night in Madrid. Today I've seen Manchester United out-skill and kill us off with movement, so it makes you wonder where we are, how far we are from them.

"We've had a magnificent season. I'm not here to criticise the players. We've had a bad day and we couldn't control van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer, particularly Scholes, who had a marvellous match in a strange position, and Giggs, who played up through the middle.

"We couldn't get anywhere near them. They were too good for us, too clever for us, but our defence - and not only our defence - were poor in track, mark and tackle, and I learnt that as a schoolboy.

"I don't know (if Man U can win the title) - if I knew, I'd put a million pounds on the result at 7-4 or whatever it is.

"All I know is Arsenal and Manchester United are ahead of everyone else and have been for a couple of years. They're ahead of us - they've proved that today."

Sir Alex Ferguson

"It's a great confidence boost - no question about that. We played very well and created some good openings.

"It was a matter of being patient and when we got back into the game we played some fantastic football.

"A lot of our players are young so it was good to get the experience from Madrid and come here knowing it was such an important game - and produce.

"We would have accepted this score before the game! We're set up nicely now and have got to the position I hoped we would get to some months ago."