Sir Alex: We rode our luck

Sir Alex Ferguson says United were slightly fortunate to beat AS Roma 1-0 after the Italian side spurned a host of chances at Old Trafford.

The Reds took the lead after 70 minutes following a sublime strike from Wayne Rooney. But Roma had 16 chances throughout the match, most notably with Francesco Totti and substitute Mauro Esposito missing the target from close range.

Tomasz Kuszczak was called into action numerous occasions, and Sir Alex was pleased with the 25-year-old's display.

"He made a couple of good saves and made a good block in the second half," he said. "Roma had a few good chances and maybe we can count ourselves a little lucky."

United are yet to reach top form both domestically and in Europe this term. But the important thing is that the results keep on coming, and Sir Alex is confident the Reds will soon be back to the team's best.

"We've got the players," he told ITV Sport. "Sometimes you go through these spells [where you don't score many goals] but it won't last forever. Some day we're going to hit a few goals. Hopefully that will come soon. All the players are working hard and all showing a lot of experience.

"I'm pleased with the win because Roma are a good team, it was a good game and a good European night. It was a bit tactical at times but a good result for us."

Of Rooney's match-winning strike, the boss said: "It was marvellous, similar to the one he scored against AC Milan. Great passing and a great finish."