Ferguson shrugs off missed opportunity - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Ferguson shrugs off missed opportunity

Sir Alex Ferguson shrugged off the disappointment of his side's failure to grab a deserved away goal at the San Siro and predicted Manchester United will overcome Inter Milan in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The Red Devils were forced to settle for a goalless draw despite dominating the Serie A leaders for large spells.

"I am disappointed we have not won the game," admitted Ferguson. "But it is only half-time in the tie. We still have another match to play at Old Trafford where we have a great record. I realise the tie is not finished but we have given ourselves a great chance."

Cristiano Ronaldo had four good chances - including a last-minute free-kick that was saved by Julio Cesar - Ryan Giggs had another, while the visitors also went close on numerous occasions.

But the precious goal that would have set United up for a smooth passage into the last eight would not come, leaving Ferguson to hope his side can keep Inter out at Old Trafford and get a goal that would allow him to overcome old adversary Jose Mourinho.

It is exactly the same scenario United faced following their semi-final with Barcelona last season.

On that occasion, a Paul Scholes effort was enough to squeeze them into a final they eventually won against Chelsea.

"You can see the maturity in our team now," said Ferguson. "There is always a threat of losing a goal when you do not score. But Barcelona were a fantastic team and we beat them.

"On that night we needed focus and concentration. It was outstanding then and it will have to be the same again."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London