Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted it has been very tough watching the Champions League semi-finals from home.

Following United's quarter-finals exit at the hands of finalists Bayern Munich, the Scot said it had been agonising not actually being a part of the final four.

"It has been absolute agony watching the matches," he said.

"But that is what happens when you are not in it. You have to watch it on TV.

"Undoubtedly not being in the Champions League helps our preparation for the weekend but I know what I would rather have.

"The ordeals of playing on a Wednesday and then a Saturday are exactly what you want here. We have got to have it."