Ferguson hails Ruud record

Lyon 2-2 Man Utd Champions League photos

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Ruud van Nistelrooy's "fantastic" feat in beating Denis Law's European goals record.

Van Nistelrooy took his tally to 30, going past Law's 28, with a double in the 2-2 Champions League draw in Lyon.

United came back from two goals down and Ferguson said: "Denis Law was one of the greatest players of all time - but van Nistelrooy is fantastic.

"I can't praise him enough in what was only his second game in four months."

Ferguson added: "We all know Ruud is a fantastic goalscorer. He has broken records already and will continue to do so.

"But his greatest achievement here was to play almost a full game, take a number of challenges, some of which were really unfair, and also score two goals.

Academy: Would you impress Sir Alex Ferguson?

"Having not played any real football in almost four months, that was a remarkable feat in itself."

But Ferguson admitted: "You cannot ignore what happened in the first-half. I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I did that.

"I was terribly disappointed at half-time with some elements of our game. We had to change and in fairness to the team, they did play with more intent.

"We were pushing up early in the game and allowed their forwards to get on the ball too easily but goals change games and Ruud changed the game for us.

"We certainly grabbed the game much better in the second half. We showed far more purpose and intent. Intent is an important part of football and we showed that in the second half.

"We don't forget the first half but in the second half, give credit. We found something we find a lot of the time and I think we deserved the point.

"I'm happy - 2-0 down at half-time, I have to be."