Forlan threatens United's chances in Champions League
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-13 20:14

A flop at Manchester United, Diego Forlan turned into one of Europe's most feared strikers after moving from Old Trafford to Villarreal last year.

The Uruguayan has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his true worth Wednesday against his former club in a Champions League Group D game at El Madrigal stadium.

"Starting the competition against Manchester is extra motivation," Forlan said. "Playing the first game at home, what it means and how important it is, is great for Villarreal supporters and for all of us."

The striker only scored 10 goals in 63 games for United, having joined in January 2002 from Independiente, but then netted 25 league goals in his first season at Villarreal to help the team finish third and win a Champions League debut.

"To draw Manchester is, without doubt, very special for me," Forlan said. "After two and a half years there, the two matches are going to seem strange but nice at the same time."

Forlan's goalscoring feats were aided by Argentina's Juan Roman Riquelme, whose creative skills inspired Villarreal's success last season.

However, the midfielder faces a late fitness test on the strained ankle ligaments he sustained in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sevilla.

The visit of the two-time European champion is further confirmation of the strides made by modest Villarreal, which only has a population of 40,000.

The team coached by Chile's Manuel Pellegrini is only starting its seventh season in Spain's top league but has already reached the UEFA Cup semifinals and quarterfinals in the last two years.

Villarreal's progress is based on a series of shrewd South American signings, with Forlan and Riquelme, if he plays, likely to be accompanied by six more in Wednesday's starting lineup.

The team, which defeated Everton in the preliminary round, will be seeking to worsen United's poor record in Spain, with only one win in 15 visits.

But Alex Ferguson's side has been boosted by the return to form this season of striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has five goals already. The Dutchman, who has scored 37 times in 41 Champions League games, will be accompanied in attack by fiery England teenager Wayne Rooney.

"They're both very good forwards. We need to take care with them and also the rest of the United, which is a very good team. But no one scares me especially if we're talking about soccer," Villarreal's Uruguayan goalkeeper Sebastian Viera was quoted as saying in sports daily As on Tuesday.

United captain Roy Keane has pulled out after suffering a hamstring strain in training, news reports said Tuesday. The Irishman's replacement is again likely to be Alan Smith, who played in midfield against Manchester City on Saturday.

United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed Saturday's Manchester Derby to attend his father's funeral in Portugal, has returned and been added to the squad.

Benfica plays Lille in the group's other opening game.

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