Source: Eurosport
Ferguson praise for defensive duo
Sir Alex Ferguson feels all is well again for Manchester United after Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were reunited at Porto on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead in the sixth minute and they had to withstand a lot of pressure after going into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week.
Ferdinand had been a doubt for the game with a back injury but he teamed up with Vidic to again form a formidable partnership and Ferguson felt the pair were key to his side's success.
He told Sky Sports: "They did well. We showed good concentration at the back and defended very well.
"If we get back to that foundation of not conceding goals, we can do well. We had stability at the back with the recognition of Ferdinand and Vidic and that was a great start.
"I couldn't see the dangers. I thought we controlled that part very well. Nothing really bothered us.
"Ronaldo's goal was a phenomenal strike from fully 40 yards.
"It was a magnificent goal, a fantastic hit," continued Ferguson.
"It took them by surprise, the keeper had no chance."
United will now face Arsenal in the last four, and Ferguson added: "It's going to be a great semi, there'll be some good football in that one.
"Meanwhile Ronaldo is hopeful the battling victory will help United emerge from the sticky patch of form they have been in since losing 4-1 to arch-rivals Liverpool in the Premier League
"This will give us confidence," he told Sky Sports.
"The last five games we didn't play great and I hope this will change that."
Describing his goal, the Portuguese forward said: "When Anderson gave me the ball I think straight away to turn and shoot in the goal and I score a fantastic goal."
Ronaldo, who joined United from Porto's rivals Sporting Lisbon, is not expecting such an emphatic scoreline in the semi-finals."It's a fantastic thing," he said of the tie. "Arsenal play fantastic football. It'll be a tight game. We know each other and I hope to win the tie and go to the final."
