Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stands by his criticism of Bayern Munich players for getting Rafael sent-off this week.

Ferguson was irritated that his blunt comments about Bayern's conduct being "typically German" immediately after United's 3-2 win in midweek that could not save them from a Champions League quarter-final exit, were allowed to obscure what was probably their best performance of the season.

"The Germans let themselves down in the way they behaved in getting the boy sent off," he said.

"If they don't recognise that there is nothing I can do about it. But it was totally unfair.

"They bullied the referee into it. He is a young referee and he succumbed to that pressure because he wasn't going to send the boy off."

When informed of Ferguson's comments on Wednesday, Bayern coach Louis van Gaal challenged the British version of fair play, and insisted his team had done no wrong.

Ferguson maintains they did, particularly Franck Ribery, the player who was yanked back by Rafael to bring the fateful second yellow card.

"I know Van Gaal spoke about the fairness of English football and he was right," said Ferguson. "It (the English league) is one of the fairest in the world.

"But we weren't talking about English fairness.

"He (Rafael) has barely touched him. Ribery's done more to him.

"The issue was how the Germans reacted.

"They knew the boy was on a yellow card. They surrounded the referee and they are waving their hands with imaginary cards.

"There was an edict to referees that anyone showing an imaginary card should be booked.

"Well, there were six that should have been booked if you go along those lines."