Ferguson: 'It's only half-time'

Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for his Manchester United FC players after a 2-0 away victory over RC Deportivo La Coruña in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, but is still aware of the threat their Spanish opponents will pose at Old Trafford next week.

'Great performance'
"It was marvellous, a great performance," Sir Alex said. "I'm very proud, it was a first-class performance. We knew from the last games against Deportivo that we could do it but it's only half-time and we don't have [Roy] Keane or [Paul] Scholes for the second leg so it's a mountain for us to climb. The injuries and suspension have taken the shine off the result."

Deciding factor
Having never beaten a Spanish side on Iberian soil, United could have been forgiven for taking a cautious approach to the match. Sir Alex's decision to play with only one out-and-out striker hinted at such a plan but the pace and power of Ryan Giggs, who was supporting Dutch international Ruud van Nistelrooij, was one of the deciding factors. "We will have three midfielders out for the game next week but we should be ok," the Scot added. "Deportivo are one of the best sides in Spain and Europe. Spanish sides are technically better but we pulled through tonight."

'Fully deserved'
Deportivo coach Javier Irureta was philosophical in defeat and highlighted the inclusion of Giggs in an attacking role, at the expense of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, as a major factor in the result. He also paid tribute to Nicky Butt and Keane in United's midfield, after the pair had suffocated much of Deportivo's early attacking moves. "We tried to attack through midfield but our plans were complicated by Butt and Keane," he said. "Our plan of attack didn't hold up. Manchester United fully deserved to win as we were not aggressive enough and they hurt us in midfield. Giggs was quick, mobile and very hard to mark."

'Inopportune and senseless'
Keane was injured just before half-time after a challenge with Sergio González, while Beckham was caught late by a rash tackle from Diego Tristán in the dying seconds. Keane is expected be out of action for up to a month with a hamstring injury, while Beckham has swelling above his ankle and will be x-rayed on Wednesday. Both managers concurred that Tristán's tackle on Beckham was a poor one. "It's too early to say about Beckham's injury yet but I was surprised at Tristán's tackle as he is a footballer," Ferguson said. "Tristán's tackle was inopportune and senseless," Irureta added.

'More goals'
Following Beckham's sensational 15th-minute strike, Van Nistelrooij made sure of the win with a second four minutes before half-time. The goals were followed by several excellent chances, with Giggs missing twice after beating Deportivo keeper José Molina. The Welsh international knows they were good chances but is still confident of more goals in the return leg in Manchester. "We had some good chances and I missed two excellent ones myself. Deportivo are a dangerous side but our first goal shook them up. At Old Trafford we are more than capable of scoring more goals."

'Not impossible'
Deportivo defender Mauro Silva was keen not to underestimate the task his team-mates face in England next Wednesday but still believes there is a glimmer of hope, despite this disappointing reverse. "It is going to be difficult to overcome a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford but it is not impossible," he said. "Manchester United showed excellent concentration and they were switched on tonight."