Source: Daily_Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson insists 2008 Champions League success will play no part in Chelsea clash
Sir Alex Ferguson is not convinced memories of Moscow 2008 will play any part in tonight's eagerly-anticipated Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Earlier this week, Petr Cech claimed the Blues were nursing a desire for revenge after their agonising penalty shoot-out defeat at the Luzhniki Stadium three years ago.[LNB] Fond memories: Ferguson hoists the Champions League trophy in 2008[LNB]However, ahead of the two-legged quarter-final tussle, Ferguson believes hunger of the present is what will really drive both teams on.[LNB]'I don't believe players think about revenge.[LNB]'Something that happened three years ago goes out of your mind quite quickly.[LNB]'The main ambition for any team is to win the cup. The motivation is greater to the match than to think about what happened in the past.'[LNB] Defensive boost: Rafael and Ferdinand returned to training for United ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge[LNB]For the first time in weeks, Ferguson is having to give some thought to the defensive make-up of his team.[LNB]Jonny Evans' availability after a domestic suspension offers an instant enhancing of his squad strength but it is the knowledge that Rafael and Rio Ferdinand made the trip south that is really giving the United boss cause for thought.[LNB]Both would be part of United's regular back four, although for Ferdinand in particular, the dilemma over whether to pick him is great thanks to a combination of the 32-year-old's own rustiness after two months on the sidelines with a calf strain and Chris Smalling's outstanding form alongside Nemanja Vidic.[LNB]'I don't know about Rio.[LNB]'He had ten days physical work and has been training with us on the football side for seven.[LNB]'He does have experience and is a fantastic footballer.[LNB] Former star: Ronaldo was part of the United side that beat Chelsea in the 2008 final[LNB]Although Ferguson has spent the season defending his troops against the charge of being an underwhelming representation of United by recent standards, the Scot himself came up with one immediate difference between tomorrow's eagerly-anticipated clash and that final in Moscow.[LNB]'There is one major difference - there is no Ronaldo.[LNB]'He was a fantastic player.'[LNB]Nevertheless, it is conceivable that seven of United's starting line-up from that night will retain their places tomorrow, with Nani and Antonio Valencia amongst those set to join them.[LNB]That number could be matched by Chelsea. They have also gone through three coaches though, with Roman Abramovich splashing out ?50million on Fernando Torres during the January transfer window too in what Ferguson feels is a clear indication about the Russian's priorities.[LNB]'There is no question it is Abramovich's driving force.[LNB]'He wants it the most. That is why he has paid ?50million for Torres.[LNB]'They will be desperate to win the European Cup. But no more desperate than we are,' added the United boss.[LNB] Jamie Carragher's Champions League dossier: Chelsea v Manchester United Get ready for the fireworks! Five classic clashes between Chelsea and UnitedAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Nemanja Vidic, Petr Cech, Rio Ferdinand, Roman Abramovich, Antonio Valencia Places: Moscow
