Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie praises fast start
Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his Manchester United side following the 3-1 win over Arsenal but voiced sympathy for Darren Fletcher, who will miss the UEFA Champions League final.[LNB] United beat the Gunners 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie at Old Trafford last week and they completed a 4-1 aggregate success with a dominant display at Emirates Stadium.[LNB]The result never looked in doubt after early goals from Park Ji-sung and Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Portuguese attacker then found the target again midway through the second half.[LNB]Arsenal pulled a goal back courtesy of a Robin van Persie penalty but Ferguson was delighted with his team's overall display.[LNB]"I thought they couldn't handle Ronaldo. That made a big difference," said the United boss.[LNB]"The midfield was working its socks off, we had good shape and the defensive positions were covered but we needed someone to give them real problems and Ronaldo in that form, he's a fantastic player.[LNB]"We weren't overcome by Arsenal's start to the game - they were moving and the crowd were going but we kept playing our football. Once we transferred the ball to Ronaldo, it was a big problem for them.[LNB]"We got a good start and that made the difference. Two quick goals like that against a young team, I don't think, wherever you play, you can recover from that. It was a mountain to climb, especially as it was 1-0 from the first game.[LNB]"The third goal was marvellous. At that point, Arsenal were throwing everything forward and we caught them really. The speed of the play was fantastic."[LNB]Fletcher disappointmentVan Persie's spot-kick came after Fletcher was sent off for a foul on Cesc Fabregas, even though he appeared to win the ball fairly.[LNB]Ferguson was upset with the decision, especially as United will not be able to appeal.[LNB]He said: "He's disappointed and he should be. He's one of the most honest players in the game and to miss the final, it's a tragedy.[LNB]"I haven't spoken to the referee. I respect him. He may look at it himself but we shouldn't ask him. He's confident enough and fair enough to look at it himself, possibly. We can't appeal and that's disappointing for the boy."[LNB]United's final opponents will be decided on Wednesday when Chelsea host Barcelona with the teams goalless after last week's draw at Camp Nou.[LNB]Asked who he believed would win, Ferguson said: "Barcelona have fantastic players, I was drooling watching them (in the 6-2 win against Real Madrid).[LNB]"But at Chelsea with no centre-back - that might cost them."[LNB]
