United stronger now, claims Fergie

ALEX FERGUSON has claimed Manchester United were forced to iron some serious flaws out of their game to become Champions League contenders again.

The Old Trafford outfit have returned to Turin four years after that monumental semi-final victory knowing they are back competing among Europe's elite.

Last week's 2-1 home win over Juventus was a club record ninth triumph over continental opposition this season and took them to within a point of a quarter-final spot with three Group D games still to play.

It is the proof Ferguson needed that his team have rid themselves of the tactical naivety which followed their 1999 Final victory over Bayern Munich and hindered their chances of defending the hard-won crown.

"After 1999 teams started planning to play against us and we kept getting counter-attacked, even in away games at places like Anderlecht and PSV," he said.

"If you are supposed to be gaining in experience that shouldn't happen. It tells of flaws within the progress of your players. It has taken time but we know how to play in Europe now. The players know the tactical part much better. They can attack while thinking defensively.

"Sometimes in England we tend to play to the crowd. You attack, then the other team attacks and the game never stops.

"The match at Bolton on Saturday was an example. They were really revved up and had a right go at us. You don't get that kind of attitude in Europe." Neither does Ferguson fall for the European "mind games" which have been in evidence again this week with general manager Luciano Moggi claiming United are favourites for tonight's encounter. "Teams used to come to Old Trafford saying they had no chance," said Ferguson, never shy at using the mental approach at the best of times.

"They'd say 17 of their players were unfit, that their coach didn't know his best team and point to all the fantastic players in ours. Then the game started and we couldn't get a kick. You just have to ignore it." Ironically, Juve coach Marcello Lippi almost had 17 players missing last week after a flu virus swept through the side before and during their trip to Manchester. No such problems are likely tonight, even though keeper Gianluigi Buffon and key midfielder Edgar Davids were among those who sat out Saturday's 3-0 win over Como which maintained their position as joint leaders of Serie A. Both are set to return, as are Lilian Thuram and Marco di Vaio.

In fact, this week, it's Ferguson with the fitness headaches.

Wes Brown and Paul Scholes were left at home for treatment on hamstring and groin injuries which threaten their participation in Sunday's Worthington Cup final, while Mikael Silvestre travelled despite not fully recovering from the ankle injury which kept him out of Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Reebok Stadium. And the likelihood is that Nicky Butt may partner Juan Sebastian Veron in central midfield as Ferguson takes the chance of giving skipper Roy Keane a breather.

"We have to handle the situation very carefully," said Ferguson, who also brought young keeper Luke Steele with him after losing Roy Carroll with a minor injury. Four years ago I made four changes for the FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal because of the amount of games we were playing and that will arise again this season.

"Defenders can usually handle it but it's the midfield players and strikers you have the concerns about.

"We have a big game coming up on Sunday, so I won't play anyone who is not 100% fit."

However, while his starting line-up may look slightly strange, Ferguson believes his side have one major off-field ally the Stadio delle Alpi itself.

The stadium is hated by the Juve fans, who often fail to turn out in any significant number. Crowds are often only half its 70,000 capacity and only 22,000 turned out for their most recent Champions League outing the home win over Basel in December.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford helped Juventus last week," said Ferguson.

"Supporters at the Stadio delle Alpi are sat way back and if it isn't full there is a vacuum within the stadium. We don't have to chase the game, so that could work in our favour."

Meanwhile, Ferguson dismissed speculation that Ryan Giggs could be set for a summer move to Inter Milan.

Inter president Massimo Moratti claimed yesterday that his side would be tabling a firm offer for the Welshman, who has had an indifferent campaign and has earned the ire of a section of the United support for recent poor performances.

However, Ferguson does not believe his star winger will be going anywhere.

"We keep hearing these stories every year. Ryan Giggs is a Manchester boy and he is a Manchester United player. It's just the media, nothing more."