Manchester United exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday night, with a controversial Nani red card proving decisive in the 2-1 loss, and leaving Sir Alex Ferguson furious.

The United boss was "too distraught" to speak to the press after the game, according to his assistant manager Mike Phelan.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho - who is considered a potential successor to Sir Alex - was lavishing plenty of praise on the opposition.

"I know they [United] are giants, not just physically, but mentally," he said. "11 vs 11, I doubt that we could win the match."

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