Ferguson content with narrow lead over Arsenal

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said he was happy to take a slim lead to Arsenal after John O'Shea's goal gave his side a 1-0 win in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

The European champions dominated their Premier League rivals at Old Trafford but could not add to O'Shea's 17th-minute effort, Cristiano Ronaldo going closest to a second with a dipping shot against the crossbar.

"I was pleased with the performance, the level of passing and movement was very, very good and we played at a high tempo," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "We maybe should have got four goals.

"But before the game I said I wanted to win the game without losing a goal...and we've done that. You can't have everything in life, so we move on.

"The game is not over but we know we can go there and score and that is the problem Arsenal have."

United, also closing in on the Premier League title, have concerns over central defender Rio Ferdinand who was taken to hospital after the game with a rib injury.

"Rio got a crack on the ribs," said Ferguson. "He's gone to hospital as a precaution and we hope there is nothing broken because that could put him out for two or three weeks. We'll have to wait and see."

Ferdinand was a largely untroubled at the heart of United's defence before going off as Arsenal played plenty of slick passing without posing much of a threat.

Manager Arsene Wenger said the performance was disappointing but is still confident of earning a place in the Rome final next month against Barcelona or Chelsea.