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23 Jul 2003
SIR ALEX SATISFIED WITH SEATTLE START

Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on Manchester United’s "terrific finishing" after his side’s crushing 4-0 defeat of Celtic in Seattle.

Goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and new signing David Bellion gave the Reds a solid victory against last season’s beaten UEFA Cup finalists, proving that there really is life after David Beckham.

The game was arranged as part of United’s pre-season tour of the USA, and was played in front of a record 66,722 crowd at Seattle Seahawks’ American football stadium.

Sir Alex enthused that his players displayed all their qualities as he told MUTV: "It was a bit flattering in the first half but the quality of the goals was good.

"Ruud's goal was just Ruud. At that point we were trying to bed in and Celtic were much sharper and were dominating. The goal gave us leeway and respite.

"We controlled the match better in the second half. Celtic could have scored and looked much sharper to the ball at times.

"It was good and competitive and there was a great spirit. We have done well."

The United boss added: "Celtic made it difficult but there was a good energy about us and our finishing was terrific. The goals were marvellous."

Ferguson also sung the praises of new French winger David Bellion after he bagged a goal on his debut for the Barclaycard Premiership champions.

"For any young lad of 20 to make his debut and score is exciting. I hope he develops - he has quite a bit to learn but he has good enthusiasm," Ferguson commented.

"He's lightning quick, his control is good but he has to develop parts of his game."

The former Sunderland star will be hoping to press his claims for a place in the starting line-up as the new season approaches, but he may have to wait in line as some of United's established names battle to put themselves on Fergie's team-sheet.

The manager admitted: "You want a competitive element through the club and have so many players competing for a first-team place. There are no guarantees at Manchester United. If you perform well it gives me the decision of what to do with the team."

Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

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