Ferguson watched from the Old Trafford stands alongside assistant Carlos Queiroz as Hughes' Blackburn side came so close to derailing the champions' quadruple bid.

In the end, Rovers' brave fight ended with Michael Ballack's extra-time winner but even Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted he was 'afraid' of what was going to happen in the latter stages of normal time.

Now it is United's turn to face Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on May 19 - the middle of what would be a hat-trick of blockbuster meetings between the pair in the space of a fortnight if both sides make it through to the Champions League Final as well.

While he played for both clubs with some distinction, there is no question where Hughes' loyalties lie.

But he is not expecting a telephone call from his old boss demanding information.

"If Sir Alex wants to know anything, I will be more than happy to speak to him," said Hughes.

"But I have a feeling he will have a fair idea how to beat Chelsea himself.

"He has been around a lot longer than I have. He knows you have to work exceptionally hard because if you don't compete, you don't win."

After a sluggish start, Blackburn dominated for long periods.

Jason Roberts' second-half leveller was the least they deserved and only the acrobatics of Petr Cech and an incredible late miss from Morten Gamst Pedersen denied Rovers a win which would also have brought them a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Although Hughes was happy to accept the plaudits of Mourinho, nothing could mask the Welshman's disappointment at a third domestic semi-final loss in as many seasons.

However, after being lambasted for Blackburn's approach in their previous semi-final defeat to Arsenal two seasons ago, Hughes at least knows the reaction to a pulsating contest will be somewhat different this time around.

"We were excellent," he reflected. "We have run an exceptional Chelsea side very close.

"Extra-time probably came at a bad time for us. The momentum was with us at that stage and if we had been able to go at them for another five or 10 minutes we might well have won it.

"We are disappointed to lose but two years ago the coverage we received after the defeat against Arsenal was hard to take. Hopefully, it will be a lot more positive this time."