Ferguson hails depleted Reds

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last night saw his side reach the quarter–finals of the Champions League — and his injury list increase.

Two goals from the ever–improving Javier Hernandez were enough to overcome Marseille at Old Trafford and secure their passage thanks to a 2–1 win on the night and on aggregate.

But they had to endure a nervous end to this last–16 second leg after a Wes Brown own goal with eight minutes remaining.

Ferguson's satisfaction at reaching the last eight for a fifth successive season was tempered by

the fear that both John O'Shea and his replacement Rafael face a spell on the sidelines after suffering suspected hamstring injuries.

The treatment room is already full to bursting with Nemanja Vidic unavailable last night with a calf problem.

Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Michael Owen, Park Ji–sung, Jonny Evans, Michael Owen and Anders Lindegaard were among those also unavailable for selection.

Ferguson could be short of numbers going into a crucial phase of the campaign with United still on course for the treble.

Hernandez's remarkable impact has been a huge bonus for United, according to Ferguson.

He opened the scoring in the fifth minute by getting on the end of a cross from Wayne Rooney. His second in the 76th minute was almost identical with substitute Antonio Valencia supplying the delivery.