Fergie: We lost to the best

Sir Alex Ferguson has worn Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona well, saying there is no shame in losing to the best.

United played hosts of sorts to the final of Europe’s premier club competition on Saturday but were thoroughly outclassed at Wembley, losing 3-1 as Barcelona underlined their credentials as the best team in the world.

Pedro opened the scoring for Barca in the 27th minute, and though Wayne Rooney pulled one back for the English champions before the first half was out United were like mere playthings for Barca.

Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world and a deserved man of the match, produced a scintillating finish to restore Barca’s lead in the 54th minute, and David Villa added another 16 minutes later as the Spanish giants clinched their third Champions League title in six years.

Ferguson paid the Spanish champions the ultimate compliment after the match, declaring Barcelona the best team he has faced in his long and storied career.

”We were beaten, there is no other way to address the situation, by the best team,” the 69-year-old told ITV1.

”I expected us to do better but at the end of the day we were beaten by the better team. They are the best team we have ever played; they are at the peak in this cycle of their team.”

”There was good evidence we are a consistently good European team but we were beaten by the best team in Europe and there is no shame in that.”

“Sometimes you come up against a far better team and tonight was one of those nights.”

“In my time as a manager, it’s the best team we’ve faced. Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It’s not easy when you’ve been well beaten like that to think another way.”

“No one has given us a hiding like that. It’s a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football.”

Having lost their second Champions League final to Barcelona in three years after losing in Rome in 2009, Ferguson said United must now regroup and improve to rival the Catalan giants.

“It’s not easy, but it’s a challenge,” Ferguson said.

“You shouldn’t be afraid of a challenge. We’ve got better and better. We want to improve. Of course, next season, we must improve even more.”

“But we have a challenge with Barcelona. We all do. It’s no consolation being the second best team. I don’t enjoy being second best. Any club with the history we have – Real Madrid, AC Milan – they’d say the same.”