Ferguson has no regrets after leaving out Beckham

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said he had no regrets after leaving David Beckham on the bench against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Ferguson opted to start with Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the right side of midfield while Juan Sebastian Veron returned to the side after a nine-game absence for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against the European champions.

Ferguson said Solskjaer offered more firepower as his side needed to overturn Madrid's 3-1 first leg advantage.

England skipper Beckham -- who the tabloid press has linked with a transfer to Real Madrid over the last few months -- was finally introduced as a 63rd minute substitute for Veron and scored twice as United beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a sensational match, only to lose 6-5 on aggregate.

"The decision was based on the fact that Solskjaer's form has been fantastic in that position," Ferguson explained afterwards.

"There is always a temptation to use him as a substitute knowing he can come on and score late in games. But I feel the lad has progressed and there is only so many times you can hit a guy over the head."

"When someone is playing as well as him, what do you do - leave him out because David Beckham is a great player too?"

"Those are the simple facts and when David came on it was because Veron was tiring. With hindsight I couldn't have brought David on any sooner."

Ferguson's dream of lifting the Champions League trophy at Old Trafford in May was effectively ended by Brazilian striker Ronaldo, whose exquisite hat-trick earned holders Madrid a semi-final showdown with Juventus.

But Ferguson said the pain of defeat was tempered by the pleasure of competing in a European tie that will live long in the memory.

"I never thought about the final tonight and it doesn't really matter where finals are held - the important thing is to be there."

"In the end, I was proud of the effort the players put in and I think from a football point of view we have seen a game played in the true tradition of two teams wanting to win a match."

"Because of the way both teams play, there was always going to be a lot of chances and it was a pleasure to be involved from every aspect."

"We had the best referee (Pierluigi Collina) in charge of the best game seen in Europe this season."

"It produced football of tremendous skill and imagination and people will talk about it for a long time."

"That doesn't make it any easier for me as a manager because I felt we could win the tie. When you score four goals at home you expect to do that, but you can't legislate for someone like Ronaldo."

Ferguson, whose side must now concentrate on beating Arsenal in the race for the English title, added: "We wish Real Madrid every success and they now have a marvellous chance to win the cup."

"I wouldn't like to choose any side above them because they carry a goal threat and they showed that tonight."