Ferguson believes his Manchester United side will only get better after their penalty shootout victory against Chelsea and can successfully defend the trophy which has become his driving force.

He said: "Defending the European Cup is not an easy thing to do but I think the team is good enough. They will improve next year."

A stunning save by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar from Nicolas Anelka gave United victory and sparked emotional scenes as Sir Bobby Charlton led the team up to receive the European Cup.

And that came after Chelsea captain John Terry had squandered the opportunity to win the trophy for the Londoners when he missed from the spot and dissolved into tears.

Earlier Frank Lampard cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's opener with the game finishing 1-1 after extra-time in which Chelsea's Didier Drogba was sent off for slapping Nemanja Vidic in the face

Ferguson said: "We're delighted. It's my first victory in a penalty shootout apart from the Charity Shield. I've lost three with Aberdeen and three with United so this is seventh-time lucky.

"The slip by Terry gave us an opening and I thought we would win it then.

"We were fantastic in the first half but the goal gave them an impetus and they were the better team in the second half. But in extra-time, I think we were the better team. It was tight and there were some fantastic moments."

Ferguson singled out Van der Sar for special praise in filling the gloves of 1999 hero Peter Schmeichel and also paid tribute to Paul Scholes, who broke his nose in a clash with Claude Makelele but bravely continued.

He said: "His penalty save was not an accident. We knew where certain players would put their kicks but the last penalty comes down to experience."

Of Scholes, who missed the 1999 final through suspension, he said: "The disappointment of '99 has gone now for him. He was very groggy at half-time and we had to give him some tablets.

"I'm delighted for the boy. He is a fantastic person. People like Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville know what Man United means. Scholes and Giggs will contribute next season, if not in as many games."

Fate, however, was Ferguson's main explanation for United's latest triumph, decreeing that they honoured the Busby Babes, eight of whom died in the Munich air disaster 50 years ago.

Five of the survivors, including Charlton and Northern Ireland hero Harry Gregg, were in the Luzhniki stadium to witness last night's victory.

Ferguson said: "We had a cause which was very important. People with causes are difficult to battle against and I think fate was playing its part. I feel very, very proud."

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