Rio Ferdinand partnered Nemanja Vidic in central defence for the first time this season as Manchester United's back four took on a more familiar look. The defensive unit ensured a clean sheet as United ran out 1-0 winners through a Javier Hernandez strike.
Ferdinand is still nursing his long-standing back complaint, to the extent that he stood up for most of the flight to Spain yesterday, but was given his chance by boss Sir Alex Ferguson and was happy with his own display.
"It was good. I'm just pleased to be back and playing - it's what I know and what I do best," Ferdinand told ITV1.
"To get out there and play 90 minutes was fantastic.
"To get a win in Spain is hard and we've done it today. It's definitely a confidence-booster.
"It's been well documented that we've let points slip in recent games and you do get nervous on a run like that, but today I thought as a team we dealt with it well."
Ferdinand also reserved praise for matchwinner Hernandez, saying: "He's a fantastic lad. He comes in early for training every day and he's one of the last to leave.
"He's got a great attitude, wants to learn, wants to get in the team. But that's the same for all the lads."
