Ferguson’s side still have a game in hand but they now face a test of their powers of recovery against Leeds at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

The United boss declared: “It’s a test for us now. People can accept defeat and go away – or they can fight back.

“The players are all disappointed because the priority this season is to try to win a trophy. But the Premier League and Champions League are also the priorities.

“We have a big game against Leeds on Wednesday night, as well as two more games to come in the Champions League. We’re in the quarter-finals and we still have a lot to play for.”

United were at full strength yesterday against Liverpool, with Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and Paul Scholes passed fit before the game after injury worries.

Ferguson will therefore have to check on that trio’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s match, while Mikael Silvestre also injured his knee at one stage.

United, who have already qualified for the Champions League knock-out stages, have meanwhile been given an early message of support ahead of the quarter-finals.

Gerard Houllier accepts that many of his club’s fans may not agree with him, especially as news of Arsenal’s win was actually cheered by thousands of Liverpool supporters in Cardiff.

However, he insisted: “I still think Manchester United are a bit ahead of us in terms of experience and quality, and I wish Sir Alex the best in the Champions League as he represents English football.

“Some people might be hurt by that but I’m not. The further that Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United get in the Champions League, the better it is for us.

“We have to stop being too narrow-minded.”