Ferguson hails Neuer heroics
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Updated Apr 27, 2011 6:17 AM ET
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manuel Neuer's display against Manchester United as the best goalkeeping performance against the club he has seen.
After a string of magnificent saves in the first-leg clash, Schalke stopper Neuer was finally beaten by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney in a three-minute second-half spell that left United heavy favourites to seal a place in next month's Champions League final.
It will now take a huge shock at Old Trafford in 10 days' time to turn the tie on its head.
But that the German side even have the slimmest of chances was all down to Neuer, who was responsible for repelling the majority of an incredible 13 clear-cut opportunities United squandered before they found the target.
"In my time at United, it is probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us," said Ferguson.
"I am sure there have been other feats but tonight I saw a very good one."
The Red Devils chief probably did not know whether to laugh or cry at half-time, so dominant had his side been without getting any reward.
Michael Carrick and Giggs were further denied by Neuer at the start of the second period and it was only when Javier Hernandez had a goal disallowed for offside that Ferguson believed his team would go on to win.
"There was a frustration towards the end of the first-half when Neuer made another save from Ryan," said Ferguson.
"When that move broke down our players started walking back and I sensed a bit of frustration. We had to correct that at half-time.
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"But the thing that broke the camel's back was Javier Hernandez's goal being chalked off.
"That took away the frustration of the players because they knew they could actually beat the guy even if it was not easy."
That Neuer seems to have rejected the advances of United in their efforts to replace Edwin van der Sar and is instead set to join Bayern Munich in the summer should be a source of regret for Ferguson.
However, it was the single low note on a triumphant night that means United are now almost certain to be fighting for their fourth European Cup against either Real Madrid or Barcelona at Wembley, the same stadium where they won their first in 1968.
Once again, Giggs took the plaudits with an excellent performance, even if, along with Hernandez, he had been one of the most profligate members of the United side.
However, as a collective, Ferguson's team became the first side to complete an entire set of Champions League away games without conceding a goal, a magnificent feat in itself.
"The concentration issue is important away from home in Europe," he said.
"It is a different tempo at times and requires really good concentration.
"Credit to the players. They have shown that throughout the campaign.
"But over the past two or three years we have got a way of playing in Europe away from home. It requires some experience of course.
"The most important thing is to have confidence in possession of the ball.
"Overall I was delighted. It was a top performance.
"We have had some fantastic performances in Europe during my time.
"Juventus in Juventus in 1999 obviously will always be high on the list but this certainly ranks as one of the best."
Despite Giggs' wastefulness before he opened the the scoring, Ferguson admits he is still amazed by the performances of the evergreen Welshman.
"It is strange because Ryan's peak years seem to have lasted so long," said Ferguson.
"You would think, at 37, he would be showing signs of waning. I don't see any evidence of that.
"We look after him in terms of rest before games but when he gets that freshness he doesn't show any sign of fatiguing at all. He is an amazing man."
Rooney refuses to accept that United now have one foot in the final at Wembley, knowing that Schalke scored five goals in the San Siro against Inter Milan in the last round.
"Schalke are a good team and we can't take them lightly. We need to make sure we are professional and full concentrated," he said.
Giggs insisted the players were confident they would be able to find a goal despite being constantly thwarted by the impressive Neuer.
"We knew that if we kept creating chances one would go in and hopefully I would get one on my left foot rather than my right," he said.
"Before the game we would have taken 2-0 but now we are slightly disappointed."
The Welshman, who becomes the oldest player to score in the history of the Champions League, also praised the depth of Ferguson's squad.
"We've got a tough game coming up Sunday so the manager rotated and we are obviously pleased, the lads who came on did well too so it's not just about the 11 players, it's about the squad," he said.
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick could only reflect on a disastrous night for his team, with only Neuer emerging with any real credit.
"We started quite well. Then it all went wrong," he said.
"We gave them too much space and could have been behind by three goals at half-time if it had not been for Manuel Neuer.
"He is the best goalkeeper in the world but you don't need this performance to confirm that.
"If you see his development over the last few years he is absolutely top class.
"But for the goals, we just stood around and watched. You can't do that.
"We are not going to capitulate though. Manchester United have a better chance to reach the final but strange things happen in football.
"However, we do need to improve."