Fergie - We've hit our stride

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side have hit top form after dumping Chelsea out of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

United remain on course for a coveted European, Premier League and FA Cup treble after sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory at Old Trafford to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.

And Ferguson feels his men, who have won seven games on the bounce in all competitions, are playing their best football of the season.

"I think we've hit our form. I don't think there's any doubt about that. "

"I think we've hit our form," Ferguson told Sky Sports HD1. "I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"It's a great moment for us and I think the players are enjoying it. They're relishing the challenges they've got now. I think you saw that tonight.

"Momentum is a great thing. The bonus I've got is that all my players are getting fit again now and that's a great boost for us."

Ferguson hailed the performance of Chelsea in the second leg of the quarter-final tie, which saw Javier Hernandez and Ji-Sung Park hit home either side of a Didier Drogba strike, while Blues midfielder Ramires was sent off in the second half.

"They played their part tremendously," he said. "Chelsea played a big part in that game today.

"Down to 10 men in the second half they had a goal, so credit to them that way, but I thought we were the better team on the night.

Ferguson added: "It was a competitive game, but it never got nasty.

"It was a great advert for the English Premier League. That's why I think the English teams do so well in Europe now, because of the standard of our league."

The Red Devils boss was delighted with his side's overall team performance, but highlighted the individual displays of goal-scorers Hernandez and Park, as well as Wayne Rooney.

He said: "Tonight we had some fantastic performers. Ji-Sung Park and Chicharito up front.

"(Rooney) played to his maximum. He was up for it, in the first leg he was outstanding and tonight he did his job right.

"But all over, no one let us down."

Ferguson added of veteran midfielder Giggs, who masterminded both of United's goals: "He's got great balance, composure and experience."

United will hope to carry the momentum from Tuesday's win into their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.

But Ferguson remained coy over his side's chances of securing the Treble, adding: "You need a lot to do that.

"We've got a semi-final on Saturday, it's a massive game for us and hopefully we can navigate that."

Source: Sky Sports
Date Published: 13 April 2011

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That's a hilarious article. Truly head-scratching logic.

- Neil

If a menstrual lemon was stood up at the alter by Fred the red you couldn't expect the same bitterness!!

- jonny

Cookster has hit the nail on the head. We owe both results to a hell of a lot of dirty work from Michael Carrick. He was utterly superb last night, crucial interceptions and challenges to hold up their counter attacks and very few misplaced passes. He has that imperious look about him again...long may it continue. Giggsy and Park's work rate in last 30 minutes was something to behold. I doubt the TV cameras did either justice. Especially the latter who looked out on his feet after the hour mark and seemed to have hit the wall after the adrenaline rush of getting his goal. Probably just needed a minute to switch to his famous third lung for the final stages. Edwin Van Der Sar... "one more year!" Great team effort, everyone played their part (including Sheasey who added 'abject fear' to proceedings whenever he was in possession, which is easy to appreciate in retrospect) Chelsea on the other hand probably only had two players who came out with any credit, Ivanovic and Essien. The rest of them played in fits and starts and pouted and sulked. Bring on Shalke!!!!!!!

- Bragg

I think Carrick has to have huge praise over the two legs also. He looked the part!

- Cookster68

It was a night of genuine epicness. I'm assuming having seen him in action up close now that no one bothers speaking to Park cos there's no fecking way in this world that sound is quick enough to catch the match winner.

- jonny

Until it no doubt gets taken off: [url:1nss0man]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_elephant[/url:1nss0man] And scroll down to the last item in the list...

- fenwar

How Rio managed to stay out there for the 90 minutes is beyond me...

- Darren

Viva Fernando Viva Fernando What a wasted bid And 50 million quid Viva Fernando...

- Darren