Manchester United were lucky to come away from the Olympic Stadium with a 2-0 lead to carry into next Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said Wednesday.
''There were a few random incidents. I don't think 2-0 is a fair reflection of what the two sides produced,'' said Spalletti, referring to several squandered Roman chances and a defensive mix-up that gifted Wayne Rooney United's second.
''Manchester got the breaks, stopping us in our tracks with Cristiano Ronaldo's opener and hitting us harder with Rooney when we looked like getting back into it''.
Spalletti was disappointed with his team's lack of resolve late in the game, however.
''We stopped playing. We could have let in a third. I'm going to have a hard talk with the players. Anyone who just wants to go to Old Trafford to stroll around the field isn't welcome''.
''But we're not out yet. We were penalised but we can't make the mistake of thinking we're already out''.
Substitute striker Mauro Esposito said the result was ''unfair'' while Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi said ''we're an unpredictable side and we'll be pulling out all the stops in Manchester''.
But De Rossi agreed with his coach that ''we gave up the ghost near the end and could have been severely punished''.
Chile midfielder David Pizzarro didn't think much of the evening's star, Cristiano Ronaldo.
''He's just a big head. I'll put him in his place in Manchester''.
Roma's injured skipper Francesco Totti was badly missed Tuesday night and is fighting to make the return game.
Club doctors have said he is ''doing his utmost'' to get fit.
