Ferguson revels in 'marvellous' result

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Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo - his 36th of the season - and Wayne Rooney put United in the driving seat with a 2-0 win over Roma to take into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Ferguson said: "It was a marvellous result for us. We showed discipline and composure on the ball."

He added: "Ronaldo's goal changed the game for us. It was a fantastic header. His spring and courage to go in front of the defender surprised the Roma player. It was a centre forward's header - it reminded me of myself."

Ronaldo made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute, and Rooney added a second in the 67th minute to leave Roma dispirited.

Ronaldo made the breakthrough with a brave header, and Rooney's was a simple tap-in after Ji-Sung Park had headed the ball into the area from the back post.

On Park's contribution to the second goal, Ferguson said: "I'm not sure how he managed to get the ball back into the area. It did not seem possible. But Wayne appeared to unsettle the goalkeeper and managed to touch it in."

Roma made a decent fist of it in the second half but found goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar unbeatable.

The Dutch goalkeeper's fitness had been a concern, because he has been troubled with a groin problem.

Ferguson said: "He's had one or two injuries - which have given us a bit of concern - but he came through the game well. Edwin showed why he has 120 caps. His experience is vital."