Ferguson: It's not over yet

Sir Alex Ferguson backed his despondent Manchester United players to overcome Bayern Munich, despite a devastating double blow at Old Trafford last night.

Bayern, desperate to avenge their last-gasp Champions League Final defeat by United in Barcelona two years ago, are in charge after seizing a crucial 1- 0 quarter-final first-leg advantage through substitute Paulo Sergio four minutes from time.

The German league leaders had already been lifted by a booking for David Beckham, which will keep the England captain out of the return leg in a fortnight.

But Ferguson remained defiant, despite pointing an accusing finger at his defence over the manner of the Bayern replacement's all-important goal.

'I'm particularly disappointed to lose a goal to a set-piece because we knew that was a speciality of theirs and had spoken about it beforehand,' said Ferguson.

'I'd like to have another look at it, but it looked a terrible goal to give away.

'We've still got a good chance of going through, though. We're always capable of scoring on our travels, and that would open things up and give the game a different complexion. Believe me, there's still plenty to play for.

'We're now in a similar position to when we faced Juventus a couple of years ago. We went toTurin having to score to go through and we did it.

'The important thing will be to get hold of the ball and keep it.

'There were plus points from tonight, particularly the performance of Andy Cole, who was terrific.

'If we paid for anything, it was failing to maintain our first-half tempo and also seeing Ryan Giggs tire a little. We could have done with him playing a bigger part in the second half, but he started feeling the pace after so long out.

'He should be in a better physical condition for the second leg, and that will help offset the loss of Beckham. David's booking was unfortunate, but Bayern are going to be without two players (Bixente Lizarazu and Hasan Salihamidzic).'

Bayern boss Ottmar Hitzfeld said: 'This was a great result for us but I'd say the outcome is still 50-50. It's going to be down to whoever comes up with the better performance in Munich.'

Beckham paid the price for a 23rd-minute lunge at Stefan Effenberg and could have been in deeper trouble after another challenge on him.

Effenberg tumbled theatrically under the innocuous tackle but was cautioned by referee Antonio Lopez Nieto for his antics.