Wenger: The best team won

Arsene Wenger was in downbeat, but magnanimous mood after his Arsenal side were dumped out of the Champions League by United.

The Gunners manager was in confident mood ahead of Tuesday's semi-final decider at the Emirates, but his young side were blown away as the Reds strode through to this month's final in Rome.

"Manchester United over the two games deserved to go through," Wenger told his post-match press conference. "It could have been over after the first game. We had a good opportunity to come back but overall they were the better side."

Wenger cited the loss of two early goals and the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo as the main reasons behind his side's exit, although he admitted United's European experience was also a telling factor.

"It's easy to say we maybe need a bit of experience," he said. "I'm convinced that we have the quality and we will continue to develop. If you look at the average age of the team it is still very young and to reach the level we have deserves a lot of credit.

"But we were caught by a team that has an art to kill and take advantage of every mistake you make. I believe Ronaldo gave us a tough time."