Plenty still to play for, insists Ferguson

Alex Ferguson has insisted that Manchester United's season is far from over despite their dramatic Champions League exit at the…

Alex Ferguson has insisted that Manchester United's season is far from over despite their dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Porto.

The Portuguese side struck an equaliser through Francisco Costinha in the 90th minute to prevent United qualifying for the tournament's quarter-finals for the first time in eight years - a failure that could cost them up to £10 million sterling in gate receipts, prize money and TV cash.

With United nine points behind unbeaten Arsenal in the Barclaycard Premiership and playing the Gunners in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Ferguson's side are facing the very real possibility of a trophyless season.

But the United boss said: "We have to ensure European football for next year but there is no reason to give up on the league - that has been proved by the manner in which we went out against Porto and I don't see how anyone could have seen what happened in the last minute.

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"We are in the semi-final of the FA Cup and that will not be an easy game for either side. Obviously we are out of the European Cup which is disappointing having done so well and qualified for Europe so often."

United now have injury problems to three players ahead of their must-win derby against Manchester City on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo was carried off injured against Porto with a knee and thigh injury, Eric Djemba-Djemba suffered a suspected broken rib, and Mikael Silvestre failed to make the starting line up after suffering an ankle injury in training on Monday that could keep him out for up to three weeks.