Ferguson still cautious

Alex Ferguson believes there is still work to be done before his Manchester United team secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

With a two-goal cushion over Roma thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, the Barclays Premier League leaders would appear to be home and dry.

But Ferguson has urged caution before the quarter-final second-leg match at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

He said: “At this moment it is a fantastic result for us, but probably on the day of the game I will start to worry about it. The first thing we have to do is prepare properly for the match. We cannot take anything for granted with a place in the semi-finals at stake.”

Ronaldo made the breakthrough after 39 minutes with his 36th goal of a remarkable season – a brave header following a chip from Paul Scholes.

Then Rooney wrapped things up after 67 minutes following a mix-up between goalkeeper Doni and Christian Panucci.

Roma made a decent fist of it in the second half but found goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar unbeatable.

The Dutch goalkeeper showed great reactions, despite being troubled by a groin problem.

Ferguson said: “It as a marvellous result for us. We showed discipline and composure on the ball. Ronaldo’s goal changed the game for us. It was a fantastic header.

“His spring and courage to go in front of the defender surprised the Roma player. It was a centre-forward’s header – it reminded me of myself.”

Ronaldo insisted United were worthy winners.

“It was a very good performance. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances,” he told ITV1.

“I think we deserved this win. I feel very happy, because I scored the goal and I helped the team.”

United’s celebrations were tempered as defender Nemanja Vidic was forced to come off with a knee injury in after 33 minutes.

He will have a scan on Wednesday, and Ferguson said: “I pray it is not serious, because he is such an integral part of our team.

“We think it might just be a nerve injury but we can’t be sure at this moment.”

There was no repeat of the violent scenes that have marred clashes between the clubs in recent games, and Ferguson said: “That is a bonus and what we wanted to happen tonight. Roma and ourselves have worked hard to make sure there would be no incidents.”