United in praise for Forlán

By Paris Ayiomamatis in Athens

Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to praise the growing influence of Diego Forlán after the Uruguayan striker fired Manchester United FC into the knockout stages by scoring the only goal against Panathinaikos FC, the bottom club in Group E.

Van Nistelrooij rested
"What's helping Diego is playing more often," said Sir Alex of a forward who was much maligned following a barren start to his career in English football. "He's establishing himself and with the form he's showing it's hard to leave him out." The Scot started with Forlán to rest Ruud van Nistelrooij for Sunday's Premiership match against a Chelsea FC side who also advanced to the last 16 tonight.

Sir Alex honest
Forlán has obviously learned from the Dutch master, settling the game with a neat finish in the 85th minute following excellent build-up play from David Bellion. Forlán had earlier missed a number of chances on a night where United struggled to play with their usual swagger. "It wasn't a great performance," said Sir Alex, whose side are level with VfB Stuttgart - 1-0 conquerors of Rangers FC - ahead of their summit meeting at Old Trafford on Matchday 6.

No mistakes
United need to defeat the German league leaders to win the section and, theoretically at least, secure a date with an easier opponent in the first knockout round. "Psychologically it's always better to win the group and that's what were trying to do," said Sir Alex. He continued: "We didn't make any major mistakes and without the major mistakes Panathinaikos didn't get any encouragement that would have inspired them."

'Great experience'
At times United lacked the leadership of Roy Keane, though a young midfield which comprised of three central players - Nicky Butt, Kleberson and Darren Fletcher - with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo out wide, played with confidence. "I like to see how the young players perform away from home, it's a great experience for them," said Sir Alex.

Advantage Rangers
Panathinaikos coach Itzhak Shum does not have the luxury of a galaxy of stars to pick from, and his side now have to pick themselves up for a game against Rangers FC on 9 December which they must win to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Sir Alex does not feel it will be easy for the Greek side against the club he supported as a boy and later played for, saying: "They've got a hard job ahead - Rangers have the advantage."

Win or bust
Shum added: "As in other matches against Stuttgart and Rangers we played better than our opponent. We didn't score, however, and when you don't score you don't win. The result doesn't reflect the match. It's a great honour to play against United and beat them  - but we didn't." All is not lost, though, and Shum concluded: "We have to beat Rangers in Glasgow."