DISASTER AWAITS

Last updated : 14 August 2002 By Editor

"There are two views - the first is that we deserve to be here as we finished third in the League. We want to be here. The second is that it's an absolute disaster if we don't get through. That's your headline!"

"It was very unexpected to finish where we did last season, especially as Ruud scored 36 goals. But we lost focus. When we won three League titles previously maybe that didn't help. United enjoy the fight, the battle. Sometimes we react better in adversity and need character to come back. Hopefully we'll do that this season.

"It's not the best situation to be in, qualifying. But the door is open to the Champions League. It will be a hard game, they will be keen to play well and it won't be easy."

"There's no real change of attitude in the dressing room. Last season was down to lack of focus and individual errors, and we couldn't afford to lose a game. We've got two inexperienced goalkeepers here but Fabien Barthez should be fit again in two weeks - that should eliminate anxiety in that position. We may be a bit weak there, though, and I might have to think about it if Fabien doesn't recover when we hope he does."

"John O'Shea and Wes Brown are both very capable young men who have improved immensely physically, they've got stronger. They're both good players."