FERGIE'S USUAL BLUSTER
“We can't go into the match [Benfica] thinking about a draw. We have to try and win. Obviously, we have a big job to do but it is not unusual for us to be in this situation and I am still optimistic.
“It is a bit disappointing because Ruud van Nistelrooy's European record in particular is virtually second to none. But it would be easy to look at the result and criticise us for not scoring. Overall, some of our attacking play was very good and we gambled at the end by putting Louis Saha on but maybe some of our young players don't have the patience to wait for a chance to come.
“There have been some big surprises in the Champions League over the last two years. It is amazing what happens in this competition now. My favourites this year are Lyon. They could definitely win it and that means me bypassing all the big names. It is an unusual cup now.
“I think our form is pretty good now and we're quite optimistic. I think the confidence is there. I think we deserved better than a draw tonight.
“Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too. It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game. We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it.
“You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure."
Villareal’s Manuel Pellegrini:
“In the first half Manchester United played very well but gradually we got into the game. I think by the second half we deserved to draw. Nothing really changed in the group after tonight’s results, we still have to go for a win to win the group.
“When the draw was made for this group a lot of people thought it would be three teams playing for two places. I never thought that; I thought it would be four teams playing for two places. I like to think I’ve been proven right.
“Given the attacking possibilities they had, it is surprising they didn’t score. We haven’t scored many goals, but there haven’t been many goals in the group. The group is very tight and it is difficult situation for everyone.
“We deserved the draw, United started well and played at a high tempo. They pushed us back but in the second half we came back and deserved the point. A point for everyone in the group tonight has changed nothing.
“We have to win or draw against Lille, but I am sure it will be between United and Benfica for second place. When the draw for the competition was made a lot of people said United would win the group but I always thought it was four teams playing for the two places.”