Sent clear by Van Nistelrooy's astute pass, Giggs darted into the box, drove a well-struck shot past Dida, then turned away in disbelief as it thudded against the post.
"That was the first good chance," said Ferguson. "Who knows what happens after that but that is how these games are decided."
As it was, Milan survived that rare threat on their goal and went on to score themselves just after the hour mark when Chelsea reject Hernan Crespo met Cafu's cross perfectly and looped a header beyond Tim Howard.
It was a sweet moment for Crespo, who also scored Milan's winner in the first meeting at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, even though questions will be asked why Rio Ferdinand allowed Milan's lone striker so much room at the far post.
Though there was no last bombardmentto try and salvage victory in a game that Milan always seemed to have in control, Ferguson insisted there were no recriminations within the United camp.
"Sometimes, it is easy to be overcritical," he said. "We have played a part in two fantastic games of high quality and overall, I don't think there is a lot between us."
What Milan have in abundance is experience and in Cafu and Paolo Maldini, two of the most influential players on the pitch. In contrast, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were largely ineffective.
Rooney was forced to drop too deep to try and influence the game, while Ronaldo, getting increasingly frustrated at his lack of success against Milan's veteran full-backs, resorted to a series of long range shots that brought no reward.
"Experience was always going to
count in a game like this," said Ferguson.
"Of course we have players who are only 19 and 20 and they are not the final product yet. But they will only get the experience they need by playing in matches like this.
"For them, the most important factor is ability and temperament. I have no concerns about that. In two or three years from now, we will be talking about them."
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