Defending champions United lost 2-0 in Rome and were outplayed for much of the night by the Spanish champions."We didn't play as well as we can but you have to give Barcelona credit," said the United manager. "Lionel Messi wasn't the problem, Xavi and Andres Iniesta kept the ball all night and made it difficult for us."
Ferguson, who has led United to two previous Champions League triumphs, added: "We started brightly and confidently and could have been in front in the first 10 minutes but the goal was a killer. We didn't plan to lose a goal as early as that. We didn't deal with it well enough, it gave them the opportunity to keep possession. We knew what a good football team they were. We had difficulty in defending against them. Messi dropped into midfield and they kept possession and made it difficult for us. The disappointment was the use of the ball when we got possession. You have to wait minutes to get it back off them. Could be it was an off night. Could be it was a mountain too big to climb. But we've done well, it's been a long season, we've had 66 games and you've got to give the players credit for their courage and resilience. Next season we'll be better. “
"The better team won and there's nothing we can do about that now." (BBC Sport)