Soccer:Alex Ferguson declared himself satisfied with Manchester United's goalless draw in Marseille even though he realises it is a dangerous scoreline.

Ferguson admitted it had been poor entertainment for the spectators, with neither side threatening to break the deadlock.

And, whilst he understands United are vulnerable to the away goal at Old Trafford in three weeks' time, Ferguson is sure his team will come through.

"On our ground we will be much better," he said. "Scoring away from home is always important and we didn't do that tonight.

"You always worry at this stage of the season because there are no bad teams left in the competition. But we will have two or three players back and whilst we won't be taking anything for granted, this result is fine."

Darren Fletcher had United's best opportunity, a first-half snap shot from the edge of the area that Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda managed to keep out after originally being wrong-footed.

Apart from that, it was drab fare, with neither side looking like getting a winner.

"Marseille made sure they did not lose," Ferguson reflected. "It was a poor game for the spectators. Nothing happened."

Ferguson's words of praise were reserved for central defensive partners Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling, who once more produced a mature performance in Rio Ferdinand's absence.

Wayne Rooney also earned plaudits from his manager after an industrious shift on the left wing.

"He did what we wanted him to do," said Ferguson. "The way we normally set up, with Nani or Ryan Giggs on the left, gives us more natural width.

“But Wayne worked hard, as he always does. He has great spirit but he was better when we played him through the middle in a 4-4-2 at the end."