Sir Alex Ferguson admits his young side will take huge positives
from their thoroughly deserved draw against a strong Roma side in
the Stadio Olimpico.
Although the Italians posed questions of their visitors after the
break and snatched a point through Mancinis 70th-minute equaliser,
United could easily have registered a sixth win in Group F.
Only profligate finishing and good goalkeeping prevented the Reds
from building on Gerard Piques first-half opener, but Sir Alex was
nevertheless satisfied by what he saw.
I was pleased with a lot of it, he told Sky Sports. I think in
the second half we gave the ball away too much, which is perhaps
understandable with our inexperience at times. But we put up a good
performance and I think we can be pleased with that.
We lacked a bit of experience at times, but it was compensated for
by their ability on the ball, we played some good football against
the strongest Roma side. Were really pleased with that.
Uniteds youngsters suffered a humiliating defeat to Coventry City
in the Carling Cup back in September but, with seven of those who
started against the Sky Blues lining up in Rome, a huge degree of
pride was restored by Wednesdays result.
In the context of today there wasnt a great deal in the game for
either side, but I think both sides played with quite a deal of
freedom in their game, said Sir Alex. It was end to end and I
think in the end it was a very good European game.
I think we were unlucky in the second half, we had a good bit of
football between Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, and unluckily we
werent able to put it in, but it was good football.
It [the experience] helps them. The sudden bursts of play from
Roma can catch you off guard at times. The explosion of noise from
their fans is exactly the same thing, and thats the European game
for you. It will do them the world of good.