Ferguson excited

Sir Alex Ferguson can’t wait for Sunday's Barclays Premier League derby showdown with leaders Manchester City.

Ferguson's Manchester United side weren’t very convincing against Romanian title winners Otelul Galati in Bucharest last night, yet even without skipper Nemanja Vidic – sent off in the second half –United emerged victorious thanks to two Wayne Rooney penalties.

The result moved United into second spot behind Benfica in Group ‘C’, with all eyes immediately turning to Sunday's league showdown with their city rivals at Old Trafford.

"The last couple of years the derbies have become more intense and there is more importance attached to them," Ferguson said. “On Sunday it's top of the league and second–top, and it really builds up into a fantastic prospect. I am looking forward to that."

Vidic will spend the build–up worrying whether UEFA will increase the obligatory one–match ban for his tackle on Gabriel Giurgiu.

"I've looked at it and his foot is certainly high," said Ferguson. "I can understand the referee's interpretation of the incident. I thought it was a little harsh. It was certainly a booking."

Rooney kept his nerve to prevent United paying the ultimate price, in the process becoming the highest English scorer in the Champions League with 26.

United were unconvincing at times, though, giving away possession far too easily, particularly in the first half.

But Ferguson claims he was never concerned about the oucome.

"I don't think we were lucky," he said. "We were the better team. We dominated possession and improved in the second half.”