Ferguson unfazed about Ribery

ALEX FERGUSON insists Manchester United have no need to fear facing Franck Ribery at Old Trafford tonight.

The Bayern Munich star has already caused the Red Devils some pain, scoring the equaliser in Germany last week, even if he did benefit from a pretty wicked deflection off Wayne Rooney. Yet with United needing to attack in an effort to overturn Bayern’s 2-1 advantage, the stage seems set for Ribery to prove why he is rated as one of the most dangerous wide men in the world.

Not that Ferguson sounds like a potential suitor.

After dismissing claims Ribery could worry Gary Neville by claiming he was “no faster” than the veteran United skipper, Ferguson displayed an air of confidence about his side’s ability to cope with the France international.

“Franck Ribery is a very talented player and we recognise that,” Ferguson said.

“But we have played against a lot of great players over the years.

“In the last round we had to face up to Ronaldinho. He is a very talented player and similar to Ribery in many ways with his ability to take the ball and the fact he is not afraid to take it no matter where the ball is and no matter the opponent.

“We cannot worry too much about Ribery’s threat. You have to play against the top players in the world because that is what the European Cup is. That is why the tournament is so exciting. We have been in the Champions League for 17 years and that experience helps you.”