WE OVERTOOK THEM,THEY OVER TOOK US

"I remember that first match. In the tunnel beforehand I looked at the Juventus players and could see the difference between them and us. They were athletes who were perfectly prepared. They exuded charisma, they were Juve, the kings of Europe and I told myself 'that is what we have to become. In the years that followed we went from being apprentices to European champions."

"After 1999 teams started planning to play against us and we kept getting counter-attacked, even in away games at places like Anderlecht and PSV," he said.

"If you are supposed to be gaining in experience that shouldn't happen. It tells of flaws within the progress of your players.It has taken time but we know how to play in Europe now. The players know the tactical part much better. They can attack while thinking defensively. Sometimes in England we tend to play to the crowd. You attack, then the other team attacks and the game never stops. The match at Bolton on Saturday was an example. They were really revved up and had a right go at us. You don't get that kind of attitude in Europe."

Fergie will not risk anyone who is not 100%.

"We have to handle the situation very carefully. Defenders can usually handle it but it's the midfield players and strikers you have the concerns about. We have a big game coming up on Sunday, so I won't play anyone tomorrow who is not 100% fit."