• Champions League

United sloppy in front of goal - Fergie

Didier Deschamps called the draw with Manchester United 'not a bad result' for his Marseille side © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson insisted Manchester United will be much better against Marseille in the return leg of their Champions League tie but felt the hosts had a lucky late escape.

It was a drab affair at the Stade Velodrome with few chances created - Darren Fletcher going closest with a low drive from the edge of the area that was saved by Steve Mandanda.

Marseille's best moment came when Andre Ayew got a clear sight of goal but skewed his shot wide of the target.

Wayne Rooney appeared to be bundled over by last man Stephane M'Bia as he chased a long through-ball towards goal in the closing stages of the goalless last-16 first leg.

"I think it was very lucky," Ferguson told ITV. "The referee's in a good position and I don't know why he didn't give us a free-kick and then the decision is straightforward - it's a red card.''

On his side's performance, the Scot added: "It was disappointing. The pitch was lively but they made sure they weren't going to lose a goal. We got in good positions but we didn't have enough.

"Nil-nil can be a dangerous scoreline if you lose a goal at home but it's about winning the game, if we win the game we're through. We're confident. I think we'll be much better.''

Michael Carrick echoed his manager's sentiments, bemoaning United's poor attacking play. The midfielder knows his side did not perform to their potential, but believes progression can still be ensured in the second leg.

"We didn't play anywhere near our best tonight, and we know that, but we'll try and put things right when we return to Old Trafford," Carrick said. "It just wasn't quite happening for us. Our passing wasn't great, we didn't really create chances. It was disappointing.

"We defended pretty well as a unit but the other side of the game, our attacking, has to be better. It's a different game at home. We've got to be better, we have to play better."

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps was proud of his side's overall performance, but noted Sir Alex Ferguson's side showed their quality in patches throughout the 90 minutes.

"I think for the first game it's very important not to concede a goal. We have done it," Deschamps said. "It was a hard game because in front of us was a big team. It was not easy. We had a very good time in the second half for 20 or 25 minutes but we didn't find a goal. At the end it was more difficult because Manchester changed their system.

"I'm very happy for my players because I think they have done their best."

When asked which side is now the favourite to continue onwards to the quarter-finals, the former Chelsea midfielder was pragmatic.

"Always Manchester, I think," he said. "It's not a bad result for us - but it's a good result for Manchester."

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