Manchester United really believe in doing it the hard way.

In front of a crowd of 75,000, the Red Devils could have wrapped up the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal by slotting at least four goals past Spaniard, Manuel Almunia.
But despite playing some superb passing football at a hectic pace, their only reward was a one nil advantage going into the return match at the Emirates on Tuesday, May 5.

An upbeat Sir Alex Ferguson shrugged his shoulders and admitted that the fans had been frustrated. Yes, Manchester United could have booked their place in the final there and then but he had every confidence they would score against Arsenal and win the day.

“We do tend to do things the hard way,” he said afterwards.

What an under-statement. Manchester United might well rue the night after having 52 per cent of possession and seven shots on target, compared with just one by Arsenal. The game also saw 20 fouls but only one yellow card.

So what was the problem? Just bad luck, nerves or one of those things? Certainly, before the game, Sir Alex said he would be happy to see a good performance and a win. Losing was just not an option.

“We’ve got that so we move on,” he told a press conference.

Over the last few weeks, Ferguson and Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger have been showing each other an awful lot of respect and have refused to get into a war of words. Following the first leg of their semi-final clash, there have been no insults or accusations but more of a psychological approach. Sir Alex firmly believes Manchester United can and will score at Arsenal and Wenger insists his team will score those all-important goals.

It’s undoubtedly going to be a tough match and who would bet against Arsenal levelling the score at 1-0 in normal time to take the match into an extra 30 minutes and then penalties?

Manchester United are likely to be without Rio Ferdinand who was substituted with just three minutes to go and was taken to hospital for an X-ray on a suspected fractured rib. Unless he makes a remarkable recovery, he could be out for the rest of the season.

Ferdinand did sterling work as usual but it was John O’Shea who went on the score sheet when he slotted home a deflected cross from a corner on 17 minutes. It’s his 18th goal for United and he does tend to pop up now and again and especially when needed.

PFA Player of the Year, Ryan Giggs could have been in the headlines again but his goal was disallowed after being judged off-side. This was his 800th appearance for the reds. Another incredible achievement.

Manchester United dominated most of the match as expected at home but those extra goals just would not materialise. Arsenal goal-keeper Almunia was undoubtedly superb, denying both Rooney and Tevez before finally being beaten by O’Shea. He later blocked a point blank header from Cristiano Ronaldo who also rattled the crossbar with a vicious 30-yarder.

Sir Alex was more than happy with the team’s passing and movement and says they will have the edge over Arsenal who will struggle to stop them scoring in the second leg. But Wenger believes home advantage will count and is pleased they only conceded the one goal.

As Sir Alex Ferguson rightly says, this one is going to go right down to the wire.