Fergie wants support from fans
In the aftermath of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Blackburn, the most successful manager in British soccer history trudged down the tunnel with the jeers of United's own fans ringing in his ears.
The Scot bore the weight of anger as growing criticism over his team's tactics and the surprising omission of Wayne Rooney saw tempers in the stands boil over. As he looked to the first meeting between United and the Portuguese giants since their 1968 European Cup Final encounter at Wembley, which saw United become the first English side to win the competition, Ferguson made it clear the treatment meted out to him at the weekend was not a subject up for discussion.
But after an unhappy month for Ferguson, which began with a more intimate verbal volley from a member of the anti-Malcolm Glazer faction in Budapest airport, he was prepared to predict a positive response from the supporters who have regaled in the glory he has brought to the club since his arrival from Aberdeen in 1986.
"European nights have always been special at Old Trafford," he said.
"In my experience, they have always had an extra edge and I am sure the supporters will be great. I don't want to talk about myself. What has happened in the past doesn't matter. Tomorrow's game is the most important thing and we are doing a good job getting the players back from Saturday's defeat."
Ferguson's thick skin has allowed him to shrug off sustained jibing and outright animosity from all quarters over the last decade-and-a-half. But there is no doubt the supporter outbursts will have hurt a man who has proudly regarded himself as a bridge between the fans and those running United down the years.
Although irritation with his continual refusal to return to the Red Devils' tradition of fielding two wide players in preference to the current use of Roy Keane or Alan Smith in a holding midfield role had been growing, it was ironic the outpouring of emotion came during a rare display of attacking verve.
After three largely sterile performances in draws with Manchester City, Villarreal and Liverpool, United offered a genuine attacking threat at the weekend, even if the result did not go their way.
And rather than panic, Ferguson is placing his trust in Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes, the men most culpable for the mass of missed chances, to fire his side back to top form.
"Nobody is scoring that many goals, so at least if we are creating chances we have taken one step forward.
"Ruud and Paul are two of the best finishers in the game. Paul just needs a goal to get his season off, he just hasn't managed it yet. Hopefully we can create chances tomorrow and take a fair share of them. That would give us an outstanding chance of winning the match."
Ferguson will assess the fitness of John O'Shea, who limped out of Saturday's loss, before finalising his starting line-up.
Phil Bardsley stands by to make his first European start if O'Shea does not make it, although, with Rooney suspended, more focus is being placed on Ferguson's attacking selections.
At first glance, it would appear to be a straight fight between Park Ji-sung and Ryan Giggs, with the South Korean in pole position given he was offered Rooney's starting berth at the weekend. However, the Red Devils chief hinted both men could play in a match which, for their own well-being rather than the actual purpose of qualification, the hosts have to win.
"I hardly have to say it but we do not like losing games at this club," said Ferguson.
"We have faced the problem in the past and I am sure it will happen again, we are no different to any other club in that respect. When those situations occur, you have to do something about it and tomorrow is the day.
"But with the experience we have in forward positions, with Ruud and Paul and possibly Ryan Giggs, maybe that will be the turning point for us."
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