He's adamant that this is the next great United team, he's also adamant several of his players are up there with the best in the world, and yet, that flies in the face of much of what I've seen this season.

I reckon the real Manchester United is somewhere between the one which lost to Portsmouth last weekend and the one which was so brilliant against Roma. It's extremely doubtful that they'll be able to sustain a level like that and, in time, I think the display and the result will be seen as a little freakish.

While United were certainly irresistible, I can't remember when an Italian coach got it so wrong. Luciano Spalletti committed football hara-kiri by pushing forward recklessly against one of the very best counter-attacking teams in the Champions League.

I don't know whether he was trying to surprise Ferguson with his tactics. He would have seen the game against Portsmouth last weekend, and perhaps he detected a weakness, but if you give the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs too much space, you're asking for trouble.

Even after the second goal, Roma hadn't learned their lesson.

Still, United deserve immense credit for the way they performed. Players who I had serious reservations about such as Michael Carrick (right) and Darren Fletcher did extremely well on the night. Carrick's passing was particularly perceptive, and Fletcher was a constant thorn in Roma's side with his determination and his energy.

I've watched Carrick since he was a youngster and always expected him to become a player of real quality. However, I wondered when he went to Old Trafford whether he would have sufficient personality for such a big club. It's all very well to do it in the Premiership, but once you go to a club with a worldwide reputation, expectation changes radically.

On the basis of what I've seen this season, I felt that Carrick probably didn't have what it takes to become a dominant player at a major club but, after last Tuesday, I've had to revise that opinion.

The first goal was an example of skill and quick-thinking, and his second was beautifully struck. Given that there have been reservations about him, a game like that could mark a turning point.

And if you wanted to demonstrate to Ronaldo what he should be doing to opposing teams, all you would have to do is show him a recording of the game.

He's not going to be allowed the same latitude against better organised teams such as Milan, but this time he passed the ball when it was on to pass, he didn't fall over looking for fouls, he ran at the defence intelligently and he got in the box. It was a complete performance, and if he can reproduce that level of form on a more regular basis, United are going to win trophies.

Even though he was undeniably brilliant, I'm not yet a total convert because there are still signs that he doesn't yet fully understand the game. But his end-product has improved out of all recognition this season, and if he carries on like that and eliminates the flaws in his game, he can step into the shoes of Ronaldinho, who has been too fleetingly the world's numberone player. It won't be easy for United to live up to the expectation that will surely come with the win over Roma. If they do win the Champions League and the Premiership, then no one will be arguing with Ferguson about whether or not they represent the club's next great team. They have to demonstrate now that they have the mental strength to grasp the opportunities that lie ahead, and to prove they are winners.

Chelsea to an extent have already managed that, and I'll only believe it of United when I see it.

Despite the fact that Milan trail Roma in Serie A, they will be a much sterner test. They used their experience well against Bayern Munich in the first half especially. Kaka is a class act, and both Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso are real midfield warriors. Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini won't be in the slightest bit overawed by Ronaldo or Rooney, but on the evidence of last Tuesday, United, with their pace and exuberance, deserve to be favourites to reach the final.

I reckoned Valencia would be able to stand up to Chelsea, but they wilted under the pressure. Some of Chelsea's tackling was tremendous, frightening almost. I'm no fan of Jose Mourinho and his antics, but he clearly has created a special team spirit, and they've already shown the sort of determination that could win them the Champions League.

It's too early to predict how the semifinals will go, but the problem now for United and Chelsea is that they'll be involved in a number of high-pressure Premiership and FA Cup ties by the time the games come around, whereas Milan and Liverpool are likely to be fresher mentally.