Ferguson demands up-tempo performance

Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United to go “full throttle” in their attempt to overcome FC Porto at Old Trafford tonight.

Although the Portuguese outfit overcame United at the first knock-out stage in 2004, few are expecting a repeat, with Ferguson’s men odds-on favourites to reach their third successive semi-final.

But the Red Devils chief is taking nothing for granted. And even though his side are back in action barely 48 hours after the thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa, he is demanding that they hold nothing back.

“It would be stupid to think this is going to be easy,” said Ferguson.

“When teams are used to winning their domestic title, as Porto are in Portugal, you always feel they will play with great confidence.

“They have a lot of South Americans in their team as well, which gives them a great physical strength.

“By beating Atletico Madrid in the last round, Porto proved they will be hard to beat. Complacency does not come into it as far as we are concerned.