United and Ajax played out a drab, scoreless first half in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie, but the Premier League side upped the ante after the restart, eventually securing victory thanks to goals from Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez.

Ferguson was less than impressed by his side's display at Amsterdam Arena, particularly in the first half, but was pleased to have taken control of the tie ahead of next week's reverse leg.

Speaking to Channel Five, Ferguson said: "I'm delighted by the scoreline. I thought it was a very ordinary performance by us.

"We didn't reach any great heights in the game, but we did improve in the second half and we probably deserved to win it.

"I didn't think we played well at all. There was no rhythm to our game.

"Ajax can make it difficult with the way they play when they close their midfield up. They pressed the ball really well.

"We didn't get any tempo to our game at all in the first half. In the second half, we did improve a lot, we missed some good chances.

"Not a brilliant performance in the second half, but good enough I think.

"It gives us a good opportunity. I'm not taking anything for granted of course, but at home at Old Trafford we have a good opportunity to get through. It was a big win."