Saha scored United's winner at the Stadium of Light

Saha's stunning goal gave United a 1-0 win and made it maximum points from their two opening games.

Ferguson said: "It was a magnificent strike by Louis. It was a good bit of football down the channel. He came in on his left foot - marvellous goal.

"I think it was a good performance by us. We showed good pace in our game."

News conference: Sir Alex Ferguson

United struggled in the first half, but Ferguson was pleased with a much-improved performance after the break.

It also gave United revenge for the defeat in the Stadium of Light that sent them out of last season's Champions League.

He said: "The first half there were moans that we didn't have great understanding about how to defend the last line and kept giving the ball away.

"But in the second half we improved at that because we made some alterations, the midfield made more room for themselves and I think that made a difference."

Ferguson believed there was more to United's display then a wonderful strike.

"There were other things," he said. "In the second half I thought we improved tremendously. Hopefully it gives them the confidence to trust each other you need in these games."

Benfica coach Fernando Santos admitted United had improved their tactics since their last visit.

"United were more attacking last year but this season they had a different strategy, which obviously worked better," he said.

"We controlled the game and given our domination, particularly in the first half, we should have scored.