Fergie revels in final win

United boss hails 'best ever team'

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 22nd May 2008

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Ferguson: Delighted

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Sir Alex Ferguson saluted his 'best ever team' following Manchester United's Champions League victory over Chelsea.

United started brightly and took the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo headed home Wes Brown's cross on 26 minutes, before Frank Lampard equalised against the run of play just before half-time.

Chelsea had the better of the second half but there were no more goals and the match ended with a dramatic penalty shootout.

Ronaldo was denied by Petr Cech but John Terry missed for Chelsea and Edwin van der Sar then saved from Nicolas Anelka to spark the United celebrations.

"I'm delighted," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "It's the first time I've ever won a penalty shoot-out in a big game.

"When you miss a penalty you think you are in trouble but I think we deserved it.

"We had the best chances in the match. I thought they had a lot of control in the second half but then in extra time we got better.

"It is a great team, a fantastic team, and I thought it was a good game."

Asked if he now regarded his current side as better than the team that won the treble in 1999, Ferguson replied: "Yes."