United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his players side after they overcame a half-time 2-1 deficit to defeat AC Milan 3-2 in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
A fortunate early goal from Cristiano Ronaldo - that Milan goalkeeper Dida played no small part in - had United in front, but Kaka twice got the better of the hosts' makeshift defence to put Milan ahead.
However, United showed character as they fought back to win through two Wayne Rooney efforts and Ferguson now feels his side have a "magnificent chance" of reaching the final in Athens.
"We kept playing our football, some of which was fantastic, and dominated the second half," the Scot was quoted as saying by BBC Sport after the match.
"Some of the football we played was absolute quality, really top class. We've got a magnificent chance now. We're in front and they know that - it's a really big game now.
"They have got a really difficult game on their hands now. We are chasing the Premiership and this is the biggest boost we could have got.
" (Paul)Scholes' pass for Rooney's equaliser was fantastic, just a little flick but what a pass."
Rooney too paid tribute to team-mate Scholes, saying: "I see him do it every day in training. He's brilliant. He is a joy to play with, a genius.
"It's a great feeling. It was a difficult match but when it got late we kept going. We knew the victory would make it a little bit easier for the away leg.
"And to get a goal in the last minute is a great feeling.
"It was fantastic. At 2-1 behind at half-time against a very good Milan team, we knew it would be difficult to get the win. The manager told us too keep pushing, keep going and we'll get the goals, and we did."
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