'Distraught' Ferguson in 'no fit state' to speak as Nani is shown a red card, Ferdinand erupts in fury and Ronaldo sends his old team crashing out of Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson was too choked to speak after Nani was unjustly sent off for a high kick on Alvaro Arbeloa as Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.

Ferguson's assistant Mike Phelan admitted that Ferguson was 'in no fit state' to talk after Jose Mourinho's side beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

The players were banned from speaking publicly, even though a number of them confronted Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir at the final whistle.

'Distraught': Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not face the media after the match

ROY KEANE'S VIEW

I think that is the right decision. It is irrelevant if Nani meant to do it. 

He should be aware of the players around him. 

Does he think that he will have 20 yards to himself?

Rio Ferdinand may face UEFA action for sarcastically applauding the official, though he did return to shake his hand.

Cakir sent off Nani when United were leading 1-0, but Real stormed back to win with goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Phelan said: 'The dressing room is distraught, the manager is distraught. That's why I am talking. I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to anyone about the decision. It speaks volumes that I am talking about it and not the manager of this fantastic football club.

'We witnessed a decision that seemed harsh and incredible. I can't remember a decision like that in as big a match as this. They are there to make decisions, but there is an element of doing the right thing.

'He spoiled the game. We were definitely disappointed. We have a massive audience and everyone will wonder how this has happened.'

Ferguson stormed off the pitch pointing an accusing finger at the controversial referee. United had been in control of the tie when Real skipper Sergio Ramos conceded an own goal, but Cakir changed the game in the 57th minute.

Although Nani was dismissed for his challenge on Arbeloa, replays suggested it was a harsh decision.

Bemused: Ferguson unsurprisingly did not agree with the decision to dismiss Nani

Sarcastic: Rio Ferdinand made his feelings clear to referee Cuneyt Cakir after the final whistle

But former United skipper Roy Keane, a studio analyst for ITV, claimed the referee had no alternative. 'I think that is the right decision,' said Keane.

'It is irrelevant if Nani meant to do it. He should be aware of the players around him. Does he think that he will have 20 yards to himself?'

Real coach Jose Mourinho said: 'I would always criticise a referee for making a bad decision. It was quite strong contact from Nani, but on another occasion it could have been a yellow.

Incandescent: Ferguson was furious about Nani's red card, which significantly changed the game

Controversial: Many observers felt Nani's red card swung the game in Real's favour

'If someone can cry about a match I am the first to cry. My own history is to play with 10 (players) in semifinals, not in the last 16 or quarterfinals. It had the same influence as two years ago when Pepe was sent off in the semi-final (against Barcelona). There is such a fine balance between two great teams.

'I try to be honest and in my honest opinion the best team lost. But when we were against 10 we played well for 10 minutes and created new problems.

Wrong call? The decision to send Nani off seemed harsh on Manchester United

Unimpressed: Jose Mourinho was unconvinced by his Real Madrid side's performance

Honest: Former Manchester United hero Keane had little sympathy for Nani

'We deserve credit, though, because after the two goals I know what Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson do for the team, so I knew at the end of the match we couldn't control the game. We have been honest. Sir Alex Ferguson has no complaints about Real Madrid's role.'

Phelan added: 'We are extremely disappointed and everyone was sat in the dressing room wondering why it happened.

'The decision was amazing, but we had to carry on. Playing Madrid with 11 is difficult in a game of this magnitude with the world watching. We felt as though we had the tactics right.

'We felt comfortable at 0-0 and it's where we wanted to be. We scored the goal and we were in a commanding position, After that we were in control and created a couple of chances.'

Ronaldo said: 'It was an emotional moment. I can say only one word: unbelievable. The supporters made me feel shy, so I think in the two games I didn't play like I play all the time, at the same level. I feel happy because Madrid are through but a bit sad because United are out.

'I did not see what Nani did, but these situations happen in football.' Ferguson axed striker Wayne Rooney for the second leg, but insisted before kick-off it was an issue with fitness.

Phelan said: 'Rooney was fit and ready to play, but big decisions have to be made.' Mourinho said: 'Sir Alex won the right over the years to make decisions and none of his decisions should be questioned.'