Ferguson reveals disappointment

“Milan got their goals cheaply and that’s disappointing,” said Ferguson, whose side went out of the competition 5-3 on aggregate.

“They were sharper and quicker to the ball and I think they’ve been good winners. We were on the back foot all the time and found it difficult.

“In fairness, we never looked like we were going to score.

“Milan were better prepared physically,” he said. “They’ve been resting players and that can make a difference.”

But Ferguson hopes that his side will bounce back for the weekend’s derby game against Manchester City.

“You have to put disappointment behind you. We’ve handled it in the past and I’m sure they will handle it on Saturday,” he said.

“They can win the title – we have to make sure they recover in the proper way.”

Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti was delighted by his side’s Milan’s performance.

“It was an evening of dreams,” he said. “To play the way we did in the first half is a dream for a coach – it was a perfect football.

“The final will be a fascinating challenge – Liverpool are not as good as Manchester United but they are harder physically.”