Fergie happy with the United blend

“We recovered well from losing a goal,” he told a news conference. “There was a bit of anxiety but once we settled down there was only one team going to win the game.

“They had one shot which (Edwin) Van der Sar saved well but other than I thought we controlled the game.”

Ferguson was forced to play youngsters Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley at full back following the late withdrawal of French international Mikael Silvestre that stretched his limited defensive resources even further.

“I was very pleased with the positive attitude of the players and I was happy to put the young ones in tonight,” he said.

Ferguson was also delighted with acting captain Ryan Giggs, who started only his second match of the season and put United ahead with a deflected free “Experience was also going to be important tonight and Ryan provided that,” Ferguson said. “He really looked after Kieran Richardson on the left and allowed him to get forward because he always knew Ryan would be covering for him.”

Ferguson refused to comment on questions about his side’s tactics, which brought boos from United fans following Saturday’s 2-1 home Premier League defeat by Blackburn Rovers.

In Barcelona, Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said, “I’m very happy for the team and for the individual players,” after the match at the Nou Camp. “Ronaldinho’s three goals were decisive and Deco also got one and that is a very positive sign. Congratulations to them both.”

“We were up against a very well-organised team and both teams created plenty of danger in a high-tempo and very entertaining game,” he said.