Fergie sets down European targets

Manchester United have been set a 10-point target by manager Alex Ferguson as they bid for a Champions League final return to Old Trafford.

After spending last season fending off questions about a dream final in his home city of Glasgow, Ferguson now faces a year of being asked about the possibility of a European final on United’s home ground.

Typically, Ferguson is refusing to even discuss the possibility, instead setting his sights solely on achieving the points he believes will be enough to take United into the second group stage.

“Getting those 10 points is a challenge in itself,” he said. “You are looking to win your home games, then get that one result away which gets you into the next phase.

“There is definitely an increase in excitement and anticipation after that.

“But there is plenty of quality in the opening rounds as well and the only time you start dreaming about the final is when you reach the semi.”

The injuries which have ravaged Ferguson’s squad during the opening weeks of the new campaign show no sign of abating, and several key players will miss tonight’s match against Maccabi Haifa.

While Juan Sebastian Veron is set to return from the groin injury which kept him out against Leeds, midfield partner Nicky Butt is almost certain to miss the game after failing to recover from a bang on his hip, Ferguson suggesting Saturday’s encounter with Tottenham offers a more realistic comeback date.

Skipper Roy Keane and Paul Scholes are among the long-term injured, while Scotland international Michael Stewart is not around to provide cover either after turning an ankle in training last week.

Gary Neville is near a comeback from his broken foot and may find a place on the bench but, after four months out, Ferguson feels he needs more reserve team outings before staking a claim for a starting berth.

“Gary has been a wonderful servant to our club and when the pressure is on he is so dependable. He is on the way back but he needs a couple of reserve games yet,” he said.

Veron for Butt is likely to be the only change from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds, which followed a similar reverse against Bolton at Old Trafford seven days ago.

Ferguson though insists there is no crisis of confidence sweeping the club and optimism remains high.

“There is not a lot wrong,” he said. “One or two little decision-making situations but that is all.

“The confidence is not a problem. We have played some great football and been defending very well. We just need to improve things in the last third.”

Two of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s three goals in the current campaign came in the qualifying round hammering of Zalaegerszeg, when strike partner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also got his name on the scoresheet.

Apart from that 5-0 hammering though, the Red Devils have been misfiring badly, netting just five times in their opening six league games.

After 26 outings – mostly as substitute – Uruguay international Diego Forlan has yet to open his United account.

The South American had two goalbound efforts well saved by Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen last Wednesday and Ferguson has admitted Forlan is having no luck.

However, though van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer are almost certain starters tonight, Ferguson is promising Forlan will be given plenty of chances to shine. And, the player himself remains positive that his goal drought will soon end.

“Of course I would have preferred to score as soon as I arrived but I will keep working and I am confident it will come,” he said.

“The English style of play is a lot different to South America and it takes time. But I am learning all the time and doing my best in training so I’m pretty happy just now.”