A hero’s despair

Manuel Neuer claimed words of praise from Sir Alex Ferguson were no consolation after Schalke's 2–0 defeat to Manchester United in last night's Champions League semi–final first leg in Gelsenkirchen.

United boss Ferguson described the Germany international's display as the best goalkeeping performance against his club since he became manager.

Neuer, who is set to leave Schalke in the summer, with Bayern Munich his expected destination, pulled off a succession of outstanding first–half saves to keep his side in the game before he was beaten by efforts from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney after the break.

Asked if Ferguson's comments made him proud, he said: "Of course it's nice to hear things like that. But we have lost 2–0 and that irritates me very much."

Neuer claimed the Royal Blues showed United too much respect.

"It was not (nerves), but the respect was very big – perhaps too big," he added.

The goalkeeper admitted his side now had "nothing more to lose" in the second leg at Old Trafford next week, but insisted they were not out of it.

"The first half will be nervous," he said. "Should we go 1–0 up there would still be a chance.

“Then the crowd will also get nervous. They expect a clear win against the underdog. But for that to happen we need a perfect day."