Monday, April 6, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson readies for Porto

Ahead of Os Dragões Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, their long-term leader Sir Alex Ferguson is leaving little doubt of wanting payback for the 2004 loss to Porto. Recalling the 2004 Champions League when Porto, then led by José Mourinho, defeated Man Utd 3-2 in aggregate, Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a emphatic victory before returning to the Estádio do Dragão for the second leg.

Manchester United is likely to be without England international Rio Ferdinand along while elder statesman Ryan Giggs is questionable. Sir Alex said of the lineup decisions:

"I don't think any of the injured players will be back against Porto. But we do have the suspended players back which is good. 'Vida' will play alongside Jonny Evans at the back with John O'Shea moving to right-back.

"(Wayne) Rooney and (Paul) Scholes are also available which will give us a bit more penetration and experience, and Park (Ji-Sung) will also be ready so I've got some good options for Tuesday. I'll have to assess how Ryan is after playing the 90 minutes against Villa. It's a big ask for someone at 35 years of age to play another game two days later at the kind of level we play.

"We've done the work on Porto. I've watched DVDs of their last six matches. Also they beat Arsenal 2-0 this season and played very well that day. Lisandro Lopez is a finisher, a real striker. I'm very mindful of the last time we met. It will be a difficult tie."