• Europa League

Fergie & Hernandez insist progress isn't assured

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 16, 2012
Javier Hernandez finished off a fine Manchester United move © Getty Images
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Striker Javier Hernandez denied Manchester United had virtually booked their place in the last-16 of the Europa League following a 2-0 win at Ajax.

Goals from Ashley Young and Hernandez during an improved second half ensured United head into next week's second leg at Old Trafford in full control. But the Mexico international warned their progression was not yet assured.

''We know it is a leg of two games. We wanted a great result and thankfully we got the two goals,'' Hernandez told Channel Five. ''We know Ajax is a difficult team, they have history in the European cups.

''We know there is 90 minutes more. We can't say we are through yet.''

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed with his side's performance, but was pleased with the result.

''I'm delighted with the scoreline,'' Ferguson said. ''It was a very ordinary performance from us though. We didn't hit any great heights.

''We improved in the second half and probably deserved to win it in the end. I know Ajax can make it difficult with the system they play, but we didn't get any tempo into our game. It was not a brilliant performance, but good enough.''

Despite that, Ferguson expects to progress to the next round, where they will face either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao.

''It gives us a good opportunity, but we won't take it for granted,'' he said. ''But at home at Old Trafford we have a good opportunity to get through.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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