Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson praised his players resolve for winning the Club World Cup final despite a red card for Nemanja Vidic.

Wayne Rooney went on to score the only goal of the game.

"The collective spirit of the team won the day," said Ferguson.

"With 10 men we played with great expression and tried to win. It is a measure of the players' ambition."

The victory saw United become the first English team to win the competition in its current format.

Vidic's dismissal means that he will miss the first leg of United's Champions League tie against Inter Milan in February.

"The sending off made it difficult for us," added Ferguson.

"It's a soft sending off but he swung an elbow. When you do that in front of the referee you've got no chance. He gave the referee no option.

"Half an hour to go is a long road with 10 men but Wayne scored a magnificent goal.

"After Vidic was sent off it was important that we didn't lose the ball. It was important to keep passing and hope Ronaldo or Rooney did something special.

"In 30 years you'll look back and see Manchester United's name on the trophy, although I won't be around to enjoy it."