Manchester United's Carlos Tevez believes it was Manuel Almunia who saved Arsenal from embarrassment in the first semi-final leg of the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils won 1-0 but it could have been much worse for the Gunners if it wasn't for the inspired form of goalkeeper Almunia.

"Almunia was the man in Old Trafford. It was the Arsenal goalkeeper's night and we could have won by a three of four-goal difference," Tevez told Radio Rivadavia.

"He saved his team at this stage.

"Manchester United were by far on top, but at the end of the day the victory was narrow.

"We deserved more, but at this stage of the competition the result is more important that the way you played. That fact that we kept a clean sheet is the key, ahead of the second leg in London.

"We are yet to progress to the Rome final, but we are on our way and we must confirm it in the second leg.

"The game at Emirates Stadium will not be easy because The Gunners have a good team with a talented attack. What we must do is perform well and use our brain."