Confidence the key to United's hopes in Europe

MANCHESTER, England, Dec 7 (Reuters) Manchester United's 3-1 Champions League win over Benfica to seal a last 16 place showed the improvement that Alex Ferguson's men have made since being poleaxed by the Portuguese a year ago.

Benfica knocked United out in their final group match in Lisbon last December and it looked as though history would repeat itself yesterday when Nelson rifled in a stunning shot from 25 metres.

But Ferguson's younger players have matured and developed since then, and none more so than their Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo who terrorised the Benfica defence at Old Trafford without over-playing.

Others, such as French striker Louis Saha, have shrugged off injury and found a new confidence in front of goal, while relative newcomers such as defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are turning into precious assets at both ends of the pitch.

Tactically, United showed they are more flexible than before by pulling Wayne Rooney in from the right side to his more familiar central role in the wake of Nelson's strike.

Victories naturally breed confidence and United could also draw some leverage from their place at the top of the Premier League when things started to go horribly wrong yesterday.

United rolled with the punches and hit back with goals from Vidic, Ryan Giggs and Saha to seal what became an emphatic victory, securing their place in the knockout round as Group F winners.

For Ferguson, the difference between their latest performance against Benfica and their surrender in Lisbon a year ago is the self-belief his side now enjoy.

''I think the team is confident of their ability now,'' Ferguson told reporters. ''I think they know they can win games, that they can play. There were a lot of moments there when we played some fantastic stuff.'' Asked how he thought Ronaldo had improved, Ferguson said: ''I think they've all developed, to be honest. You expect young players with great ability to develop -- Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher all of these players.'' FORMIDABLE OPPONENTS Though they are more formidable opponents, United are not without weak points which Ferguson will need to address before the knockout stage starts in late February.

Top of the list will be their away form, following consecutive 1-0 defeats by Copenhagen and Celtic, and their failure to finish opponents off after putting them to the sword.

Kings at Old Trafford, where they scored three times in each of their group games, United managed only a single away goal, at Benfica, and missed a late penalty at Celtic.

Given the quality of the opposition they could face after the draw on Dec 15, with holders Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan going into the mix, those begging chances need to be taken.

Though his men showed great determination to succeed at Old Trafford, Ferguson's improved side clearly have a few more lessons to learn on the European stage.

REUTERS SAM VV1920