Sir Alex wants top spot

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see the Reds book their place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to their 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, but urged his players to finish the job and ensure they top Group F.

Victory over Sporting Lisbon, who conceded a late equaliser to Roma on Wednesday night, in their next match at Old Trafford later this month will ensure that.

The Reds secured their spot in the last 16 thanks to goals from Gerard Pique - his first for the club - Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo during a somewhat lacklustre 90 minutes.

"I don't think it was a perfect performance, but it was a perfect result that gets us into the knock-out stages of the Champions League so we're very pleased with that," the boss told Sky Sports.

"It's very important that we win the group now though and that's what we intend to do in the next game."

The Reds endured a frustrating opening half hour with chances few and far between thanks, in the main, to Kyiv's cautious approach.

"They adopted a man-marking system which made it very difficult for us," admitted Sir Alex. "It was something new for the younger players because it's not an approach many teams take. But Kyiv did it quite efficiently.

"We needed the little break with the double deflection for the first goal and that opened the game up for us. The second goal was terrific and after half-time we looked comfortable and had far more attacking impetus."

The United boss paid tribute to his young performers on the night, most notably goalscorer Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and late substiute Jonny Evans.

"They will have got some good experience from this match and also the understanding that they have a great chance [to make it] at this club," he said.

"Pique, Simpson and Jonny Evans are all terrific young players. They know what's required when they go into the first team and they know their futures are with this club. Tonight only gives them encouragement that they're doing the right things."