We're desperate to win this cup

Sir Alex Ferguson laid bare his burning ambition to retain the Champions League after United overcame the toughest draw on offer in the last 16.

The boss enjoyed the result against Inter, if only parts of the performance, and now anticipates the quarter-finals draw on 20 March with an appetite to take on all-comers.

"I don't think it matters who we get now. We're just happy to be there," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"If we're going to win this cup, and we're really desperate to win this cup, then you've got to face somebody.

"I'm delighted with this result. I said at the time when the draw was made that Inter were the most difficult team we could have got and it was a very hard night for us. They're a very experienced team and they played at their maximum."

While Sir Alex was pleased to have seen off Inter's challenge, he was less than impressed by what he saw on the pitch at times - in particular the latter part of the first half when Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the bar amid several threats to Edwin van der Sar's goal.

"I don't think we played as well as we could have done," admitted Sir Alex.

"We made a great start - Vidic gave us the lead with a fantastic header, a typically brave header from a brave centre-half - and we played some magnificent football in the first 15 minutes of the match.

"But then we started to give the ball away and you can't do that in Europe. The players know that - they're probably more angry with themselves than I am with them.

"We allowed Inter into the game and they should have been level at the break. They were the better team in the later part of the first half and to be honest with you, I couldn't wait to get inside at half-time."

If Sir Alex had plenty to say at the interval, then it quickly paid dividends with Cristiano Ronaldo making it 2-0 to United within minutes of the restart. This scoreline changed the complexion of the tie, although it still wasn't easy viewing for the boss.

"Ronaldo put us in more of a comfort zone, but I was never relaxed. When Inter brought Adriano on and Figo on, their intent was clear but fortunately Ferdinand and Vidic were in fantastic form. In fairness I think Edwin only had one save to make in the game."

On the whole, the United manager felt his side were worthy winners - "We had a fantastic performance in the first leg, we could easily have won it by four goals.

"There are two pages in these ties - you turn over to the second page, you're at home and everyone's expecting you to win. But tonight showed just how difficult these games can be."