HEINZE

Last updated : 22 October 2004 By Editor
Gabriel Heinze ahead of his biggest match for United, and he doesn't seem at all intimidated.

"We're going to do everything we can to stop Arsenal's record.

"Records are there to be broken and it's an extra boost to know that we are the ones who can do it.

"The aim is to win whatever the cost. If we can do it playing fantastic football,
great, but if not it will be with fight and spirit. We simply have to give it everything.

You win some games with quality and creativity but others you have to win
through heart alone. The ability to battle is as important as playing well."
And he' not arsed who he is up against either

"I see it as an open, attacking game because we're both offensive teams — and England's finest, no doubt about it.

"We have to trust our game and the power of the group. It's up to us, although
with players like Henry and Reyes you must pay special attention. Henry is the
best striker in the world. He's very skilful and it's difficult to know where to
challenge him.

"Reyes is quicker and you have to mark him in a different way — but I don't mind which I'm up against. You must be ready for everything."

The fact that he arrived late for the season hasn't stopped him getting in the first team.

"There was envy when I arrived, hardly trained and was straight in the team. The players were waiting to see what I could do — but I was soon accepted by the first-team circle.

"A lot had been said by the time I arrived about Alex Ferguson and the Olympic
issue. But we talked it through peacefully."

But it is his team mates who have impressed him

"Rio is extraordinary and it's easy playing alongside him. I'd seen him play on TV but his ability surprised me.

"What the boy did against Liverpool — to play like he did after eight months out
— is phenomenal.

"As for Rooney, the truth is that when I saw him in training he didn't impress me.

But in his first game against Fenerbahce you could see he is a natural-born
goalscorer.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy constantly surprises me. I watch him train and things come easily to him.

"From the first day of training he's collected me from my house and given me a
lift.

"You see him like a superstar and imagine that it would be difficult to win his trust — but it isn't the case."

"Argentine defenders are well known for their battling qualities, love of tackling
and being hard — and all that describes my game.

"If I've got any kind of reputation as a player it is just down to trying to be a good defender and showing huge desire to win the ball."