Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the performance of midfielder Nicky Butt who set Manchester United on their way to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with the first goal of a 3-0 win against Sturm Graz at Old Trafford.
Butt's first goal in European competition came after five minutes and signaled United's intentions to put some lacklustre Champions League performances behind them as they cruised to victory and into the last eight.
Speaking to Leaguemanagers.com on Wednesday morning the United boss enthused:
"I was delighted with Nicky - he's had a great season for us.
"Every time he's come in he's done a great job. I think he has come on well. He's just turned 26 and is maturing terrifically.
"He was very, very impressive last night."
Ferguson had criticized his team ahead of the final second phase clash for failing to play to the height of their abilities in recent games but he was pleased with Tuesday night's display in which he felt United's fluency returned.
"We got back to the rhythm of our game and got some tempo to the passing," he said.
"I think our game's been a bit staccato in the last few weeks.
"We got a good flow to the game and played simple passing and the movement was good."
Ferguson also singled out Butt's midfield partner, United captain Roy Keane, for his contribution to the game:
"Roy is the dominant player in the team he is the biggest influence.
"Having Nicky in beside him gives you two really quick, aggressive players who have great energy to give around the pitch.
"It is not easy to play against them."
There was also another assured performance from French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who has become a firm favourite with the Old Trafford crowd, even if his fancy footwork can sometimes give his manager a scare or two.
"You get used to him," Sir Alex admitted.
"I just hope if he does make a mistake we're winning comfortably.
"He's got terrific ability on the ball so therefore you relax a bit more because if it was a goalkeeper with lesser ability I'd certainly be concerned."
United qualified for the knockout stages of the competition in second place in Group A behind Valencia who beat Panathinaikos 2-1 to take top spot.
The draw for the quarter-finals takes place on Friday and the possibility of another meeting with Real Madrid still looms large for United who were knocked out by the defending champions last season at the same stage.
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