Benfica joy, Sir Alex stays upbeat

Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager
We conceded two freakish goals. First the own goal and then a poor pass out of defence for the second, but we played very well tonight. We played some really food football and I can have no fault with my players at all.

If we had held on to the lead for a few minutes after we had gone ahead I think we would have been fine and would have held on to the win. But it's a cruel game at times.

It was a bad start and we needed to get into a rhythm and tempo but the goal coming so early really took the wind out of our sails. But when we got going we played really well and we should have been three up at half-time really. We were missing some players though injury but I have no complaint about the squad I've got, and they all did really well.

Basel is going to be a hard game. The chips are down but I have every confidence in my team. We might not get top spot but what we need to do is win in a good style in Switzerland.

Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach
It was a great match between two great teams. United wanted to win because they knew Basel's result in Romania was not good for them. We can now win the group but our first goal was to qualify. I must congratulate my players because they showed they are a great team. We also wanted to stay unbeaten in all competitions this season.