Alex Ferguson has branded Manchester United’s efforts against Schalke 04 as being one of the team’s best performances in Europe.

The teams met at Veltins-Arena last night in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Manchester walking away with a 2-0 victory.

“Overall I was delighted,” said Ferguson. “It was a top performance. We have had some fantastic performances in Europe during my time and this was right up there.

“The concentration issue is important away from home in Europe. It is a different tempo at times and requires really good concentration. Credit to the players - they have shown that throughout the campaign.”

The match remained goalless until the second half, when Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney managed to overcome goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, whose display in the game has been widely praised.

“That was one of the best performances from a goalie I’ve ever seen against us,” Ferguson commented. “Funnily enough I think it was when Javier scored his offside goal... that was decisive - suddenly the players thought they could actually score against this guy.”

The second leg will take place at Old Trafford on Wednesday, May 4, ahead of the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 28.