Stepping Stone For Fergie

The United manager wisely played down the importance of today's victory in the Community Shield.

The Red Devils performed quite well and secured the trophy via a shootout that saw Edwin van der Sar save all Chelsea's penalties.

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with his side's showing but urged everyone not to think this result means anything in relation to the coming season. Praising his goalkeeper, the Scotman told that it can only be a stepping stone.

'Edwin was absolutely marvellous,' he told Sky Sports. 'He used his experience very well and that paid dividends for us.

'It's always satisfying to win, no matter what competition you're playing in. It was a difficult game and I think the heat played a part in that.

'I don't think either side was at their best but in my experience you get that in Community Shield matches. You use them as a stepping stone to the big one next weekend when the season starts.

On the whole, he found the afternoon quite useful.

'There wasn't a great deal between the two sides in terms of possession and play, but we made the better chances.

'It gave us a really good work-out - that's the most important thing we got out of it. A lot of the players are tired but it'll bring them on a good deal in terms of the tempo and sharpness they need to win matches.'