Sir Alex Ferguson declared himself satisfied with Manchester
United's goalless draw in Marseille even though he realises it is a
dangerous scoreline.
Ferguson admitted it had been poor entertainment for the
spectators, with neither side threatening to break the
deadlock.
And, whilst he understands United are vulnerable to the away
goal at Old Trafford in three weeks' time, Ferguson is sure his
team will come through.
"On our ground we will be much better," he said.
"Scoring away from home is always important and we didn't do
that tonight.
"You always worry at this stage of the season because there are
no bad teams left in the competition.
"But we will have two or three players back and whilst we won't
be taking anything for granted, this result is fine."
Darren Fletcher had United's best opportunity, a first-half snap
shot from the edge of the area that Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda
managed to keep out after originally being wrong-footed.
Apart from that, it was drab fare, with neither side looking
like getting a winner.
"Marseille made sure they did not lose," Ferguson reflected.
"It was a poor game for the spectators. Nothing happened."
Ferguson's words of praise were reserved for central defensive
partners Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling, who once more produced a
mature performance in Rio Ferdinand's absence.
Wayne Rooney also earned plaudits from his manager after an
industrious shift on the left wing.
"He did what we wanted him to do," said Ferguson.
"The way we normally set up, with Nani or Ryan Giggs on the
left, gives us more natural width.
"But Wayne worked hard, as he always does. He has great spirit
but he was better when we played him through the middle in a 4-4-2
at the end."
