Ferguson: Defence key to Euro hopes

Alex Ferguson acknowledges a settled defence will be crucial for Manchester United in Europe this season.

The memories of last year’s embarrassing group stage exit were fresh enough for Ferguson to leave Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa out of his starting line-up for the weekend win over Wigan.

Both should be involved against Galatasaray at Old Trafford tonight, providing the firepower needed to shoot United to an expected victory in the opening game of their latest Champions League quest.

However, it is at the back Ferguson knows his side must improve.

Rarely have United been able to field a regular defence during a three-season period of group stage matches on home soil that has secured a paltry total of three wins.

Already this term, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been ruled out for extended periods, forcing Michael Carrick into service as an emergency central defender.

Even allowing for Rio Ferdinand missing the odd game, such measures should not be required again now that Jonny Evans has recovered from an ankle injury.

But Ferguson realises the position is precarious — and of huge significance.

“At the moment with Smalling and Jones long-term, I’m left with three centre-backs, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evans,” said the United boss.

“If I was guaranteed two of those being fit for the rest of the season I’d take that gladly right now.

“It’s not been the case in the last two or three years, when we have had a really rough ride.

“I’ve had to alternate centre-backs. Go back two years ago and we had Carrick, (Darren) Fletcher and (Patrice) Evra there.

“That’s a key issue. I can’t hide that. I just hope I get a bit of luck in that respect.”

The situation is not helped by a goalkeeping power battle between Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea.

Twelve months ago, Ferguson responded to mistakes from De Gea in his first few weeks as a United player by insisting the Spain youngster was his number one. But with errors continuing to be made, that situation is no longer certain.

Lindegaard was selected against Wigan and though De Gea may return tonight, the odds must be against the former Atletico Madrid man regaining his place for Sunday’s crucial league trip to Liverpool.

“The most important thing I’m trying to achieve is experience of the English game,” said Ferguson.

“They are both young and don’t have the experience of an Edwin van der Sar or Peter Schmeichel so alternating is not a problem for me.”

For his part, Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim wants to collect a unique Turkish delight at Old Trafford tonight.

Rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas have both beaten Manchester United away from home in European combat.

Now Terim wants his beloved Galatasaray to complete the hat-trick.

“They are our big rivals but I remember Fener and Besiktas both did a fantastic job,” he said.

“We have drawn at Old Trafford in the past, but now we hope to follow them. We want to achieve something exactly as our rivals did.”

Despite his high hopes Terim is respectful of United’s Champions League pedigree. “Manchester United have been so successful in the Champions League for many years,” he said.

“I was there when they beat Bayern Munich in the final and they have won many more important games apart from that.

“What happened last season was a surprise but maybe it will just make them even more motivated.”