carlyluvsunited
08-11-2007, 11:56 PM
~~~ United Hand Fergie Victory Gift ~~~
Sir Alex Ferguson again tipped Manchester United for European glory in May after
the Red Devils trounced Dynamo Kiev 4-0 at Old Trafford.
United triumph swept them into this season's Champions League knock-out
phase with two games to spare as the manager celebrated his 21st anniversary
at the club.
Another win over Sporting Lisbon in three weeks time will ensure top spot in
Group F and take the Red Devils another step closer landing European club
football's Holy Grail for a third time following triumphs in 1968 and 1999.
Ferguson has made no secret of his belief United's current crop are capable of
delivering such a prize in Moscow next May. And nothing that occurred last night
has dissuaded him from that view.
"It doesn't matter whether it is your first year or your 21st there is always a
demand and a desire to win another European trophy simply because we have
only won it twice," he said.
"The history we have, we should have done better than that. On some occasions
we have let ourselves down but I feel this group of players are good enough."
The likes of Gerard Pique, who put United on the road to victory with his first goal
for the club, Danny Simpson, Jonny Evans and Chris Eagles will be the major
beneficiaries of the latest success as it opens up an opportunity for Ferguson to
give them more experience.
United fell at the semi-final stage last year due to general tiredness that drained
an overworked squad lacking in numbers. And the Red Devils chief is anxious to
ensure there is no repeat.
"I will play mixed teams in the rest of the games," he said.
"We will take advantage of that. Jonny Evans may play in the Sporting Lisbon
game, Chris Eagles may get an opportunity as well, plus Gerard and Danny
Simpson.
"It is good for them to get games. They will be required as the season goes on,
particularly when it comes to December when the games become quite hectic."
Having opted to make major changes to his side, Ferguson confirmed there were
no fresh injuries to Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, who did
not even make the bench.
"The plan with Owen was always to give him a rest after the Arsenal game," said
Ferguson.
"Rio has played every game this season and it was a good opportunity to give
Ryan a break as well."
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was withdrawn after complaining of pain in a toe
injury at half-time, although the veteran Dutchman should be fit for Sunday's
clash with high-fliers Blackburn.
And there was also some good news surrounding skipper Gary Neville, who
suffered a recurrence of a calf injury in training at the weekend.
The news of Neville's latest setback sparked fears of another lengthy absence for
the defender, who has not played a first-team game since breaking his ankle
against Bolton in March.
However, Ferguson has claimed the 32-year-old will be back in contention for the
trip to Bolton on November 24.
"Gary will be okay next week," said the Scot.
"He felt a bit of a strain in his calf, so panic immediately sets in with everybody
because he has had such a hard time.
"But the projection is that it is more precautionary than treatment requiring, so he
will be back in the game after Blackburn."
www.teamtalk.com
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Sir Alex Ferguson again tipped Manchester United for European glory in May after
the Red Devils trounced Dynamo Kiev 4-0 at Old Trafford.
United triumph swept them into this season's Champions League knock-out
phase with two games to spare as the manager celebrated his 21st anniversary
at the club.
Another win over Sporting Lisbon in three weeks time will ensure top spot in
Group F and take the Red Devils another step closer landing European club
football's Holy Grail for a third time following triumphs in 1968 and 1999.
Ferguson has made no secret of his belief United's current crop are capable of
delivering such a prize in Moscow next May. And nothing that occurred last night
has dissuaded him from that view.
"It doesn't matter whether it is your first year or your 21st there is always a
demand and a desire to win another European trophy simply because we have
only won it twice," he said.
"The history we have, we should have done better than that. On some occasions
we have let ourselves down but I feel this group of players are good enough."
The likes of Gerard Pique, who put United on the road to victory with his first goal
for the club, Danny Simpson, Jonny Evans and Chris Eagles will be the major
beneficiaries of the latest success as it opens up an opportunity for Ferguson to
give them more experience.
United fell at the semi-final stage last year due to general tiredness that drained
an overworked squad lacking in numbers. And the Red Devils chief is anxious to
ensure there is no repeat.
"I will play mixed teams in the rest of the games," he said.
"We will take advantage of that. Jonny Evans may play in the Sporting Lisbon
game, Chris Eagles may get an opportunity as well, plus Gerard and Danny
Simpson.
"It is good for them to get games. They will be required as the season goes on,
particularly when it comes to December when the games become quite hectic."
Having opted to make major changes to his side, Ferguson confirmed there were
no fresh injuries to Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, who did
not even make the bench.
"The plan with Owen was always to give him a rest after the Arsenal game," said
Ferguson.
"Rio has played every game this season and it was a good opportunity to give
Ryan a break as well."
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was withdrawn after complaining of pain in a toe
injury at half-time, although the veteran Dutchman should be fit for Sunday's
clash with high-fliers Blackburn.
And there was also some good news surrounding skipper Gary Neville, who
suffered a recurrence of a calf injury in training at the weekend.
The news of Neville's latest setback sparked fears of another lengthy absence for
the defender, who has not played a first-team game since breaking his ankle
against Bolton in March.
However, Ferguson has claimed the 32-year-old will be back in contention for the
trip to Bolton on November 24.
"Gary will be okay next week," said the Scot.
"He felt a bit of a strain in his calf, so panic immediately sets in with everybody
because he has had such a hard time.
"But the projection is that it is more precautionary than treatment requiring, so he
will be back in the game after Blackburn."
www.teamtalk.com
Click below to join manutdtalk.com and read all breaking news on all things United !!!
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php