Boss praises fighting spirit

Until the referee blows for full-time, United are never beaten.

That was the message from Sir Alex Ferguson after the Reds scored another late goal in Europe to wrestle advantage away from Lyon in United’s Champions League last 16 tie.

“It was absolutely vital,” Sir Alex said of Carlos Tevez’s 87th-minute leveller. “Time and time again we rescue games or score late winners and it’s purely down to the players’ determination to do something about it.”

On this occasion, Tevez’s strike cancelled out Karim Benzema’s opener, which looked to have given the home side a valuable win ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 4 March. Instead, Lyon now face an uphill battle to progress to the quarter finals.

“We showed a lot of determination to try and get back into the game,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports.

“We lost a goal out of nothing, really, but it showed the qualities of the boy Benzema. It was a marvellous strike but I thought we were in complete control at the time.

“Lyon’s goal knocked us back a bit and then they defended very well and made it difficult for us.”

Despite mounting pressure, the Reds struggled to create clear-cut chances until the United boss turned to the bench and introduced Tevez and Nani.

“I thought Nani provided a real threat for us with his pace and crossing. And of course Carlos Tevez scored a great equaliser.

“We weren’t magnificent but it was a decent performance and I think we deserved the result. When you’re away from home and 1-0 down with a few minutes to play then you count your blessings when you get back into the match.”

Of course, it’s not the first time United have scored a late goal in Europe.

“There was a real urgency from us to get back into the game and I think we’re at our best when we’re up against it,” added the Reds' manager.

“It’s now a matter of getting a good performance at Old Trafford. We have a big advantage with the away goal and I’m sure there’ll be an electric atmosphere. We’re looking forward to the return leg.”