Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie plays down Jose factor
Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to get drawn into discussing his head-to-head record against Jose Mourinho, ahead of Wednesday night's clash between Manchester United and Inter Milan.
United were by far the better side at the San Siro a fortnight ago but had to settle for a goalless draw as profligacy in front of goal proved to be their Achilles heel.
Failing to beat a Mourinho side was not, though, a new experience for Ferguson given he has tasted victory against his Portuguese counterpart just once in 13 competitive attempts.
It is a run that includes a two-legged loss to Porto at exactly the same stage of the competition five years ago, when Mourinho famously charged down the touchline in celebration, and one that some feel will allow the Inter chief to emerge triumphant again.
"It is strange just to have one win against Mourinho," admitted Ferguson.
"It proves I am not infallible. I am vulnerable, just like anyone else in football.
"But the personal record does not bother me one bit. It can happen.
"I look at this football club and I have every right to be proud of it and what it has achieved in the time I have been here. That is more important to me."
While confident in-form United will have enough to secure progression to the quarter-finals, Ferguson admits nothing can be taken for granted, especially as they failed to score an away goal in Italy.
"You can never be over confident in this position simply because an away goal can be a severe setback," he said.
"That was the situation when we played Barcelona. What we required that
night was magnificent concentration and really good focus in our game. We manage to get through because of both those two factors.
"When you play an Italian side, you have got to be at your best. Their record over the years has been fantastic.
"Inter Milan have every right to go into the match thinking they can win.
"They are seven points clear at the top of their league and have a lot of experience. We expect a tough game but they should expect one as well."
