Sir Alex: Fans Can Take Us Through

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing United to finish the job in front of the home faithful next Tuesday night after taking a vital 1-0 lead in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

The Reds manager was delighted his team delivered the away goal he was demanding at Stamford Bridge, and a clean sheet on top of it. No wonder he's looking forward to the second leg with great confidence.

"It's only half time of course but we've got our advantage, that away goal does mean something," said Sir Alex.

"But our biggest advantage is Old Trafford. Our support next Tuesday will be absolutely fantastic, I'm banking on that."

The travelling support at Stamford Bridge were given something to roar about midway through the second half when Wayne Rooney scored his fourth goal in London in the space of five days.

"Wayne was on tremendous form and he's given us a really great opportunity to get to the semi-final," praised Sir Alex.

"I thought Wayne was excellent, his work rate and his desire to play were marvellous. He got a lot of abuse tonight and some late tackles but he just got up again and just played his game. That shows the courage of the player.

"He's now more regular in his goalscoring which, at this stage of the season, is going to be important to us. His goal tonight was another important one. But I think the whole team takes great credit."

Sir Alex was also pleased with his midfield - a key unit when facing a Chelsea team still boasting the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Essien - and with his defensive ranks, not least when Rafael's latest injury forced a change.

"Chelsea overload in midfield and you have to be clever how you handle that," said Sir Alex. "That's the reason I played Ji-sung Park because tactically he's fantastic. He did a great job for us.

"Keeping a clean sheet was important and we've done well there, considering we had to take Rafa off and put Antonio Valencia to right-back. It was a key moment and he (Valencia) handled it very well."

The clean sheet came under threat in the dying moments of the game when Chelsea appealed loudly for a penalty after Patrice Evra's challenge on Brazilian midfielder Ramires. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was visibly angry at the lack of a spot-kick but Sir Alex said, "If it was a break for us, it's our first one in seven years here.

"To be honest it looked as if the boy (Ramires) had made the most of it, although I haven't watched the replay yet. But I think there's plenty to talk about irrespective of penalty claims and dives and all the rest of it. I thought the players were great."

Sir Alex was speaking on ITV and in his post-match press conference.