Fate played part says Ferguson as Busby Babes drive United to glory

SIR Alex Ferguson took his glorious career as manager of Manchester United to new heights last night with a second Champions League triumph, lifting the trophy after a dramatic penalty shoot-out with Chelsea in Moscow.

Ferguson said his players were inspired by the prospect of lifting the trophy on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster where eight Manchester United players lost their lives.

Several of the Munich survivors were at the Luzhniki Stadium to see history being made, with Sir Bobby Charlton leading the team up the steps of the main stand last night to collect the trophy.

"I said on the eve of the game that we wouldn't let the memory of the Busby Babes down," said Ferguson. "I think fate played its hand, just as it has all season. We had a cause which was very important. People with causes are difficult to battle against and I think fate was playing its part. I feel very, very proud."

Ferguson also insisted his United side could go on to successfully defend the trophy next season after a match which hung on the slenderest of threads.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave United the lead with a first-half header before Frank Lampard equalised just before half-time.

Didier Drogba was sent off in the second period of extra-time for slapping Nemanja Vidic in the face after a meaningless spat. The drama continued in the penalty shoot-out when Ronaldo missed and Chelsea captain John Terry stepped up to secure the prize for his side, only for his foot to slip and push his shot wide.

Victory was finally secured when United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's spot-kick to give United a 6-5 victory on penalties.

Ferguson said: "It's my first victory in a penalty shoot-out apart from the Charity Shield. I've lost three with Aberdeen and three with United so this is seventh time lucky.

"We were fantastic in the first half but the goal gave them an impetus and they were the better team in the second half. But in extra-time I think we were the better team."

The United manager said the moment of Van der Sar's save was one of the greatest of his career. He was also delighted for Paul Scholes, who broke his nose in a clash with Claude Makelele but carried on to erase the disappointment of 1999 when he missed the final through suspension. Ferguson said: "I'm delighted for the boy. He is a fantastic person. People like Scholes, Giggs and Neville: they know what Man United means. They deserve that.

"When you win something, you have to look at the players eyes to see if the hunger is there. Defending the European Cup is not an easy thing to do (but] I think the team is good enough. They will improve next year. Scholes and Giggs will contribute, if not in as many games."

Ominously for his rivals, Ferguson added: "The great asset is I don't get carried away by it. It drains away quickly for me. Tomorrow I'll be thinking about next season."