Source: Daily_Mail
Cocky Fergie opts for only two days to prepare for United's clash with Porto
Sir Alex Ferguson has sent out a message that he is taking FC Porto lightly by deciding he needs only two days to prepare for battle against the Champions League outsiders.[LNB]The Manchester United boss was given the option of moving the Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa from Sunday, April 5 to the Saturday lunchtime - giving United the standard three days' break before their European at Old Trafford on the Tuesday.[LNB]But Ferguson has gambled on giving his players more time to prepare for the visit of Villa, which is the first game after players return from the international break.[LNB] Extra time: Ferguson wants more chance to look at his players before facing Aston Villa on Sunday week[LNB]It is a dilemma of United's making after back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Fulham, which have suddenly opened up a title chase that seemed done and dusted.[LNB]Although the Champions League had previously been a priority, Ferguson is desperate not to slip up again in the League and is concerned at the players he will have available for the Villa match.[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: United blame weak referees as battered Ronaldo plots his exitHATCHET MAN: Sky scheduled for a humble apology from Sir Alex but United boss will go silent... again!FA confirm that Rooney not to face extra ban despite raging at FulhamAndy Townsend's view on the Champions League last 16MANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]Suspensions have ruled out Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic, though they will be able to play in Europe. [LNB]Ferguson is also concerned at the shape of his players when they return from internationals, with Argentina striker Carlos Tevez and Brazil midfielder Anderson unlikely to return back from South America until Friday, April 3.[LNB] Remember this? Ferguson during his side's defeat in Porto five years ago[LNB]Dimitar Berbatov also needs as much time as possible to return after being unable to join up with Bulgaria because of an ankle injury.[LNB]Porto, meanwhile, are also due to play on the Sunday, but are seeking to re-arrange their match against Vitoria Guimaraes to Saturday, or even Friday evening.[LNB]One downside to Ferguson's decision is that Liverpool have the chance to increase pressure in the race for the championship by going top if they win or draw against Fulham on Saturday week.[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: United blame weak referees as battered Ronaldo plots his exitHATCHET MAN: Sky scheduled for a humble apology from Sir Alex but United boss will go silent... again!FA confirm that Rooney not to face extra ban despite raging at FulhamAndy Townsend's view on the Champions League last 16MANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]
