Fergie: "Not impossible"
(eurosport.com)
Updated: 2005-03-08 10:50

Sir Alex Ferguson was in ebullient mood on the eve of Manchester United's crucial Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro. "It is probably the hardest task we have had to face given as we are 1-0 down but I hope we can score the goal that changes the game," opined the red-faced Scot.

Two of the best

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Wayne Rooney (R) will spearhead the Old Trafford giants' charge for honours over the next decade. [AFP]

Sir Alex was speaking at the customary press conference that precedes these UEFA Champions League bonanzas, and the 1999 European Cup winning coach once again assured the assembled press that he has the necessary armoury at his disposal to secure a magnificent away win.

With Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo providing the raw talent, and Ruud Van Nistelrooy a proven European marksman, Ferguson feels that an away goal is not beyond his side.

"At this level an away goal counts for a lot and you saw that in the faces of the players after they scored. We hope we can do the same."

Of course, United have enjoyed some success against Italian teams in the Champions League in recent years.

Ferguson said that the victory over Juventus in 1999, when his team came back from 3-1 down on aggregate to beat the team then coached by current Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, showed what his players were capable of.

"Turin was the greatest performance of my time here, easily," he said.

"It serves to remind everyone, including Milan, that is possible for us to do this."

Defence the key

Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll (L) and Rio Ferdinand (R) look on during their Champions League first knockout round, first leg soccer match against AC Milan at Old Trafford, Manchester, February 23, 2005. Milan won 1-0. [Reuters]

Having banged on about the awesome lethality of his strike force, Ferguson then went on to claim that the game would be won or lost at the back.

"That's the key to the game. If we can keep Milan out that gives us a great chance. Even at 20 minutes out (from the end) and the score at 0-0 I would be happy."

As for the men he is sending out to execute his gameplan, such as recently fit again Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, they are slightly less bullish in their predictions.

"I feel I'm improving. I had 20 minutes against Milan two weeks ago but I've had two full games since then and all the training as well and I feel I am improving.

"I feel good. Physically I am at my best and I hopefully I can show that as well tomorrow on the football side," said the star forward.

It was left to his manager to provide a more optimistic response for the hungry hacks:

"Hopefully he will get the same sort of chances he had on Saturday....I hope he gets the chances because there is no-one better in the box," chirped Fergie.

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