Boss: Euro success will come
Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged that United can win the Champions League in the near future, having lost only to the eventual winners in the 2006/07 campaign.
After beating AC Milan 3-2 in an Old Trafford thriller, United's challenge was derailed for the semi-final second leg by a raft of injuries in defence. The Rossoneri won 3-0 on the night to set up this week's less than comprehensive win over Liverpool.
Falling so narrowly short of the final in Athens was one of the few disappointments for United in an enjoyable campaign that yielded a ninth domestic title.
"The players have already proved themselves by winning the Premiership," said Sir Alex. "But in my view they have the potential to go on to even greater heights.
"This is why we shouldn't be too downhearted about Europe. Yes, I thought we were capable of going all the way but people shouldnÂ’t believe the doomsters who suggested Milan's brilliant win against us means that we have no chance of equalling them."
The boss believes United's run to the Champions League semi-finals - including the 7-1 thumping of AS Roma - indicated there are better things to come in Europe for his side.
"You have to keep things in perspective. Our super victory against Roma doesn't make us world-beaters, and Milan's performance doesn't make them light years better than us.
"Every team has its day and in Italy they were saying that the display against us was Milan's best for years. So, don't worry, it will come."
But their pursuit of Bale was so feeble.....