THE PAIN IN SPAIN

"We lost the second goal at a bad time - but I think as the game went on we got better, and they kept trying which is important.

"I'm satisfied they did their best. We didn't expect to win the game in terms of the experience our opponents had - but we've had our chances."

"In parts of the game the youngsters did quite well and in others their lack of experience was shown up."

"We weren't as strong physically as the Deportivo players but that is only to be expected.

"The players showed a good attitude and recovered from the second goal to finish the game with a bit of honour."

Ryan Giggs added: "There was nothing riding on the game tonight so it gave the manager a chance to swap it round, rest a few players and give the young lads a chance.

"I hit the post and Danny Fletcher had one cleared off the line - it may have been different if they'd gone in."

Fergie on the quarterfinals

"Real are a very good team and their history is all about the European Cup.

"We respect the fact they have some fantastic individual players and it would be a great test for us. But I would be happy enough because it would be a test for them too. We have grown a lot in Europe."

Giggsy on the quarterfinals "You look around the other groups and every side is a big side.

"It's possible we could draw Real Madrid and if so you've got to beat the best some time, so why not next time?"

And on the young talent that is Darren Fletcher. Fergie was impressed yet again.

"Darren took a bit of time to get going but you can see there is a lot of quality there," said Ferguson.

"He has lovely balance but what we hope with Darren is that he can become a bit stronger.

"He is still growing but until he fully grows he won't get the physical part right.
That is going to take two years but there is marvellous potential there."

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