 Ferguson cut a relieved figure after his side's win over Benfica |
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says his side need to rely on their attacking instincts to be successful in the Champions League. Ferguson's side had to bounce back from a goal down to beat Benfica 3-1 to seal top spot in Group F and the Scot said: "We seem to torture our fans and staff.
"We started slowly and only when they scored did we start to play.
"We've too many young players to play with patience. When they play the cut-throat way, they're a good team."
Nemanja Vidic started the United comeback, before Ryan Giggs and Louis Saha headers wrapped up the victory, and Ferguson admitted it took a change in tempo for the hosts to assert themselves in the game.
 | One of the British teams can win it, and hopefully it's us. |
"When Benfica scored, that was what lifted us," he said. "As the game went on, we got better and better.
"We got good penetration, put Wayne Rooney back up front in his normal position, and that made a difference.
"At the end of the day we've won the match and done it the right way."
Ferguson now hopes his side can go on to challenge for the Champions League trophy in a last 16 where they will be joined by fellow British teams Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Celtic.
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"There's lot of quality in the last 16," said Ferguson. "We appreciate being there, we can look forward to it at the end of February.
"It's absolutely fantastic that five British teams are still in the competition. One of the British teams can win it, and hopefully it's us."
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News conference: Sir Alex Ferguson
