Timing is right for Red Devils

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks his squad are hitting their peak at just the right time after securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Manchester United boss was speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Tuesday in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg, a result which handed them a 3-1 aggregate win.

With his side leading the English Premier League by seven points from Arsenal and facing an FA Cup semi-final showdown with cross-town rivals Manchester City on Saturday, Ferguson is confident his men are nearing their peak as they hunt for a history-making treble.

“I think we’ve hit our form,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

“It’s a great moment for us and I think the players are enjoying it. They’re relishing the challenges they’ve got now. I think you saw that tonight.”

“Momentum is a great thing. The bonus I’ve got is that all my players are getting fit again now and that’s a great boost for us.”

Ferguson also paid tribute to Chelsea for fighting back despite being 2-0 down on aggregate and a man down away from home after Ramires was sent off in the second half of Tuesday’s game.

“They played their part tremendously,” Ferguson said. “Chelsea played a big part in that game today.”

“Down to 10 men in the second half they had a goal, so credit to them that way, but I thought we were the better team on the night.”

“It was a competitive game, but it never got nasty.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti conceded his team had lost to a better side, and but again defended 50 million-pound striker Fernando Torres, who was replaced at half-time and is yet to score for Chelsea since his signing in January.

“The game was balanced until the end, also we played with 10 men. Our performance was not so bad but I think in the end Man United deserved to win,” Ancelotti said.

“It will be difficult, but we have a solution to reach the first places to play in the Champions League next year,” he said.

“So quickly we have to move on from this defeat, from this disappointment, and look forward to the next game.”

When asked about Torres, the Italian said: “We have to believe, to have the patience with him, we have to wait and he will improve.”

“Drogba had a fantastic second half, using power, using ability and scoring a goal. He came on but his performance was good.”