The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that he is concerned about his team's UEFA Champions League defeat in Hungary for football reasons only.
The Red Devils boss saw his side defeated with a last-gasp goal as United crashed in Budapest against Zalaegerszegi with a 1-0 defeat putting pressure on the Barclaycard Premiership side for the return leg at Old Trafford.
The Scot said that a failure to qualify for the tournament would be a disaster before the match and the media interpreted that as a comment on the financial benefits of the tournament.
The failure to go through would be a major blow even for United after the £30m they spent on Rio Ferdinand in the summer but Ferguson reacted to his side's defeat by expressing his disappointment at the possibility of having to make do with the UEFA Cup.
United would enter the other European club competition if they were to fail to enter the Champions League. Ferguson is not interested in the chance United would have to win the only European trophy that has so far eluded him.
"I'm not thinking about the financial side. I'm looking at the football. The Champions League is a fantastic competition and it's one we want to be playing in," said Ferguson.
"But, it's part of the romance of football that smaller teams should have a big day and I'm pleased for them. Their fans have travelled a long way and they had a great night.
"When you are away from home in Europe you expect your opponents to put up a challenge. They were very committed but we dominated the second half. However, you must take your chances."
The Old Trafford side also suffered an injury to Wes Brown, who lasted six minutes before limping off with an ankle problem.
"Wes was in a lot of pain and there is definitely tendon damage," said Ferguson.
"He will have an X-ray to see if there is a break but at this stage we don't know the full extent of the problem."
Ferguson now believes that his team will be able to overturn the deficit next week at Old Trafford.
"We are usually pretty hard to beat at home but Zala did not concede a goal and in Europe that is an important factor," said Ferguson.
"We are capable of getting through and maybe this game will bring us on a bit."
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