Jazz 16
18-04-2008, 04:08 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe Manchester United could be in any better
shape heading into their "hugely significant" encounter with Blackburn.
Although Chelsea cut United's lead at the top of the Premier League to two points
with their 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, Avram Grant's bizarre post-
match press conference hinted at extreme tension within the Stamford Bridge
camp.
In contrast, Ferguson is happy in the knowledge his side will be just four points
from the league title should they emerge victorious against Mark Hughes' side,
with just a win at Chelsea next weekend being enough.
It is just what Ferguson was looking for heading into the Champions League
semi-final meeting with Barcelona.
And while the Scot is refusing to discuss Grant's antics, he admits his own
side could not be in better shape.
"This game is hugely significant for us," said the Red Devils chief.
"We got the bonus we were looking for when Chelsea dropped two points
on Monday and we could not have asked for anything more.
"Ewood Park is not the easiest place to go but we are looking for top
performances from our players.
"It is in our hands. We are two points in front with a game in hand,
so hopefully we will make it count."
While United have often encountered difficulty at Blackburn,
they have enough happy memories of their trips to Lancashire,
both during Mark Hughes' time and beyond, to feel confident
of gaining a positive result.
Even a draw would represent a major milestone so close to the
climax of the campaign and, having come so far, Ferguson feels
his players should trust each other to get the results required.
"Your players are the ones who have to go out and do it on the pitch," he said.
"They are carrying the burden of pressure.
"Blackburn play attractive, attacking football. They have some
exciting players and we have to bear that in mind.
"But the players also need to trust each other because our form
is good and we are not searching for anything."
The return of Nemanja Vidic after a knee injury strengthens United's
defence while, even though Nani is only ready for a place on the
bench after recovering from a thigh injury that he kept him out for
five games, the Portugal winger provides cover should either
Anderson or Owen Hargreaves fail to shake off minor knocks.
Louis Saha's absence is a bigger blow, particularly as the injury-plagued
Frenchman may now find himself missing for the remainder of the season
after being struck down by yet another hamstring injury, just as he was
about to make his latest return.
"The season is running out, that is the problem, so this is not good news,"
Ferguson added.
"Louis has been training really well and was pencilled in to play part
of the game at Blackburn."
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shape heading into their "hugely significant" encounter with Blackburn.
Although Chelsea cut United's lead at the top of the Premier League to two points
with their 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, Avram Grant's bizarre post-
match press conference hinted at extreme tension within the Stamford Bridge
camp.
In contrast, Ferguson is happy in the knowledge his side will be just four points
from the league title should they emerge victorious against Mark Hughes' side,
with just a win at Chelsea next weekend being enough.
It is just what Ferguson was looking for heading into the Champions League
semi-final meeting with Barcelona.
And while the Scot is refusing to discuss Grant's antics, he admits his own
side could not be in better shape.
"This game is hugely significant for us," said the Red Devils chief.
"We got the bonus we were looking for when Chelsea dropped two points
on Monday and we could not have asked for anything more.
"Ewood Park is not the easiest place to go but we are looking for top
performances from our players.
"It is in our hands. We are two points in front with a game in hand,
so hopefully we will make it count."
While United have often encountered difficulty at Blackburn,
they have enough happy memories of their trips to Lancashire,
both during Mark Hughes' time and beyond, to feel confident
of gaining a positive result.
Even a draw would represent a major milestone so close to the
climax of the campaign and, having come so far, Ferguson feels
his players should trust each other to get the results required.
"Your players are the ones who have to go out and do it on the pitch," he said.
"They are carrying the burden of pressure.
"Blackburn play attractive, attacking football. They have some
exciting players and we have to bear that in mind.
"But the players also need to trust each other because our form
is good and we are not searching for anything."
The return of Nemanja Vidic after a knee injury strengthens United's
defence while, even though Nani is only ready for a place on the
bench after recovering from a thigh injury that he kept him out for
five games, the Portugal winger provides cover should either
Anderson or Owen Hargreaves fail to shake off minor knocks.
Louis Saha's absence is a bigger blow, particularly as the injury-plagued
Frenchman may now find himself missing for the remainder of the season
after being struck down by yet another hamstring injury, just as he was
about to make his latest return.
"The season is running out, that is the problem, so this is not good news,"
Ferguson added.
"Louis has been training really well and was pencilled in to play part
of the game at Blackburn."
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
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