Fergie says United can be a force again
With the spectre of Diego Forlan hanging over the Red Devils boss on the eve of his 12th Champions League campaign, Ferguson believes his team are better equipped for success now than they were 12 months ago.
Given they tumbled out of the competition at the first knockout stage for the second year in succession, the statement is not particularly brave.
But it does confirm a belief within Old Trafford circles that, though the days are gone when United were automatically one of the t favourites, they take on Spaniards Villarreal with a squad capable of emulating Porto and Liverpool, surprise European champions of the last two seasons.
“We have a better chance than last year,” claimed Ferguson.
“The likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea are all young players who will have improved through the experiences of the past 12 months.
“Then there is Ruud van Nistelrooy who is in fantastic form. He is so much fitter than he was when we reached the knockout stages last year.
“These factors give me the confidence we will have a good campaign.”
After battering at the door of Europe’s elite for a decade, reaching four quarter-finals and two semi-finals yet winning just one final, it must have been galling for Ferguson and his team to watch Rafael Benitez lift the trophy with archrivals Liverpool in his very first season at Anfield.
In his autobiography, Ryan Giggs admitted he did not read a paper for a week afterwards, he was so depressed about the Reds’ three-goal comeback against AC Milan.
Ferguson’s praise was faint indeed.
“I didn’t feel anything about Liverpool winning it. Everyone who has been involved in the European Cup wishes they were there and it proved my point about English clubs getting nearer to challenging consistently in Europe, but other than that it didn’t really register.
“I don’t think it has increased the pressure on us. The final is a great occasion for the particular club who win it, which is why we hope we can do it again.”
It would be surprising if United didn’t emerge from a group containing fallen giants Benfica and French makeweights Lille, but they head into the most difficult game of the section without skipper Roy Keane.
The inspirational Irishman tweaked a hamstring during a late appearance against Manchester City at the weekend and with a key Premiership trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday, Ferguson opted not to risk his captain’s long-term fitness.
Alan Smith will continue in the central midfield holding role, part of a midfield expected to include Cristiano Ronaldo in an attacking role. Ferguson did not expect the young winger would be available after the death of his father. But after attending the funeral on Saturday, Ronaldo astounded the United boss by turning up for training unannounced yesterday and declaring his intention to travel.
“We were surprised when Cristiano turned up because we didn’t know when he was going to come back, but he says he feels fine and we are happy with that. He is only a young boy and you don’t know how he will react to these things but hopefully the importance of the game and the big occasion will help him.”
Ferguson suggested there will be more young players than expected in his starting line-up, although it is difficult to imagine why he would expose the likes of Phil Bardsley, Giuseppe Rossi or Gerard Pique if more senior figures are available.
More obvious was Ferguson’s insistence Villarreal’s star man Juan Roman Riquelme would play despite a much-publicised ankle problem and his unstinting praise for Forlan, who struggled badly on the pitch at United but whose friendly nature made such a lasting impression off it.
“I don’t think there are many changes in Diego,” said Ferguson, reflecting on his astounding 25-goal haul in La Liga last term.
“I liked him a lot but the lack of games just became more frustrating for him, which is why we allowed him to go. I knew he would do well. He is a good player and a terrific character and I am very pleased for him.”
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