Wednesday, November 23, 2005
-Ferguson remains 'optimistic' of qualification-
BUT WILL THE REDS REMAIN IN CONTETION
{Its about Pride}
Sir Alex Ferguson remains optimistic Manchester United will still reach the Champions League knock-out phase even though his side drew yet another European blank at Old Trafford.
The goalless draw with Villarreal was the fourth time the Red Devils have failed to score in five outings in the competition this season and leaves them needing to beat Benfica in Lisbon on December 7 to guarantee a place in the last 16.
Given United have not won a Champions League away game in seven attempts since beating Panathinaikos two years ago - and Ruud van Nistelrooy is having a rare barren European campaign - the odds on United achieving their aim appear long.
But Ferguson refuses to concede defeat, even though he accepts the task is a tough one.
'I am still optimistic,' he said. 'Obviously we have a big job against Benfica because it is a game we have to win.
'But it is not totally unusual for us to be in this position. Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too.
'It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game.'
But Ferguson refuses to concede defeat, even though he accepts the task is a tough one.
'I am still optimistic,' he said. 'Obviously we have a big job against Benfica because it is a game we have to win.
'But it is not totally unusual for us to be in this position. Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too.
'It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game.'
Even though they have won just once in the competition so far this season, another draw in Lisbon would be enough to ease United through should Villarreal beat Lille in their final game.
However, should a win for the French side be matched by a Red Devils draw, Ferguson will need to get his calculator out to find out if his team have advanced.
'We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it,' said Ferguson, dismissing the mathematics.
'You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure.'
However, should a win for the French side be matched by a Red Devils draw, Ferguson will need to get his calculator out to find out if his team have advanced.
'We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it,' said Ferguson, dismissing the mathematics.
'You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure.'
In their first outing on home soil since Roy Keane's stunning departure, United struggled badly in attack, with only Wayne Rooney really threatening the Spaniards' goal.
Although Ferguson disagreed with the assessment of opposite number Manuel Pellegrini that Villarreal were worthy of their point, he did accept United's general lack of goals in the competition is disappointing.
Although Ferguson disagreed with the assessment of opposite number Manuel Pellegrini that Villarreal were worthy of their point, he did accept United's general lack of goals in the competition is disappointing.
So far, they have mustered just two, both in the home win over Benfica in September which now needs to be repeated in order to avoid some frayed fingernails for the Glazer family, who face the loss of up to £15million in prize money if United make an early exit.
Defeat in Lisbon will cast the Red Devils out of European competition completely, although Ferguson believes his side's chances will be helped not only by Benfica's even more pressing need for victory, but also the twin return from injury of Gary Neville and Louis Saha.
Both men were introduced in the second half after lengthy injury absences and Ferguson is confident the pair will be fully battle-hardened by the time United fly to Portugal in a fortnight.
Both men were introduced in the second half after lengthy injury absences and Ferguson is confident the pair will be fully battle-hardened by the time United fly to Portugal in a fortnight.
'Gary will play an hour for the reserves tomorrow night and then we will decide whether to pick him against West Ham on Sunday,' said the Scot.
'Louis has been training well, so it was not a gamble to throw him on tonight but the next stage is to decide whether to play him in the reserves too or put him in the squad for Sunday.'
'Louis has been training well, so it was not a gamble to throw him on tonight but the next stage is to decide whether to play him in the reserves too or put him in the squad for Sunday.'
Its about Pride, United players should be thinking!
Jude
# posted by Kalmax @ 5:05 AM 
