Match report Man Utd match reaction

"The first half was balanced, but after the break they started to push forward a lot more and that gave us space to exploit," he said after the 1-0 win.

"I thought we were controlling the game at 0-0, but (Hernan) Crespo's goal obviously eased our fears.

"Until then United were still very much in the game."

AC Milan denied their visitors any shots on target, and in a tense, tight affair, only managed three of their own as they went through 2-0 on aggregate.

Vitally, Crespo made one of those tell when he flighted a header beyond goalkeeper Tim Howard and into the net after 61 minutes.

"We showed a great form and determination," the Argentine striker said.