MATCH PREVIEW PART 2

Last updated : 07 December 2005 By Ed

FERGIE

"The fans love to have heroes and legends at this club.

"Over the time I have been manager we have had fantastic players at this club. Players like Cantona, Keane, Hughes and Robson.

"The impact they have made on the club has been indelible. But we have great players in this present team like Giggs, Scholes, Rooney and Van Nistelrooy.

"And games like this one against Benfica define their place in the history of the club.

"I trust the players. They are a good bunch of lads. They are honest, they have the ability and they have the desire.

"Our pride and confidence would be hurt if we didn't go through. Not only that, no-one likes to read bad things about themselves and some of the younger players have taken a lot of unfair criticism over the last few weeks, so that is another incentive to make sure we get the right result.

"It's not just Wayne Rooney tomorrow. We could have a magnificent performance from Wayne Rooney and not win.

"We need 11 players performing to very high standards and if we do that I think we will go through to the knockout phase.

"I may have one or two more experienced players back. I have some doubts with (defender Gary) Neville and (John) O'Shea. I have to decide whether it's a risk to put Ryan Giggs in from the start. So we have decisions to make."

"There's never balance in the media representation of our club, there's never going to be that. Either front page or back page, it's over the top.

"There's never any middle road where there's reasonable criticism."

 

RONALDO GLAD TO BE BACK IN LISBON

Our current number 7 wants to perform like a former one did in Lisbon.

"It's great to be back in Portugal.

"The rivalry between Benfica and Sporting is the same as that between United and Manchester City. The stadiums are near to each other like they are in Lisbon and the atmosphere is always great at these games.

"I've been back (to Lisbon) a few times since I signed for United. I think I'll get a really warm reception but our main focus is on getting the result we need.

"We played really well against Portsmouth at the weekend and it was a good victory which helped to boost the morale. Now we go to the Stadium of Light hoping to get through to the next stages."

The match is set to evoke memories of George Best's inspirational display against the Portuguese side back in March 1966 when United earned a stunning 5-1 victory.

"Best was a great player, absolutely fantastic.

"He was responsible for Manchester United winning lots of trophies. He is a legend in football and will always be remembered by all the players."


RONALD KOEMAN (Benfica's manager)

"I’ve told my players I want them to make it like hell and the fans to make the atmosphere as intimidating as possible. I want the Stadium of Light to be like it was in the 1980s when it was a place the opposition feared because they were surrounded by a sea of red and deafening noise.

"The stadium will be sold out and we will have our fans right behind us. They can help us by putting pressure on United and that will be a big advantage for us."


HE EVEN SENDS US TO SLEEP WITH HIS QUOTES

The cliches roll of Quieroz's tongue

'We are going there to win and I am sure we will get it. We know it is going to be difficult because Benfica are a good side but in terms of honour we have to win.

'Every game is a big game for this club. But obviously this one is crucial.'

BOBBY CHARLTON

"Wayne is the sort of player who will be relishing this game," Charlton told the Mirror.

"He’s been in great form recently and he’ll be hoping he can carry that through to Wednesday night.

"We need a great team performance against Benfica. But any team relies on its best players to produce something special and hopefully Wayne can provide that.

"He is a marvellous young player who deserves to be playing in the Champions League and so, for his sake alone, I hope we get through to the knockout."