Source: Eurosport
Fergie Set To Ring The Changes
Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United line-up for Saturday's Premier League trip to Middlesbrough.[LNB]Once again, United find themselves facing the prospect of having to prepare for a major Tuesday European game knowing they must get through a lunchtime league encounter first.[LNB]Last time, Ferguson gambled by pushing the Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa back 24 hours, meaning he had only two days to prepare for the quarter-final first-leg against FC Porto.[LNB]That move backfired and after Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Arsenal, the Red Devils chief is anxious to avoid a repeat.[LNB]Instead, he will make up to eight changes, given Rio Ferdinand is also a major doubt with a rib injury.[LNB]"I do not think it is right that we have a lunchtime kick-off at Middlesbrough," he reflected.[LNB]"Obviously I will bring some freshness into the team. The defence will be the same, apart from Rio but the midfield and forwards could change completely."[LNB]Ferguson feels the one big advantage Arsenal have is their lack of a pressing need for points at Portsmouth on Saturday, whereas his own team require victory to maintain their lead at the Premier League summit.[LNB]"They can play Pat Rice at right-back and Arsene himself at centre-forward on Saturday," said Ferguson.[LNB]"We have to play a team to win the game."[LNB]Ferguson feels Wenger will be a relieved man that his side are not out of the tie already such was United's dominance.[LNB]Arsenal are still in with a chance thanks to the heroics of Manuel Almunia, who pulled off a string of fine saves.[LNB]Cristiano Ronaldo also smashed a shot against the crossbar, while Ryan Giggs had a goal ruled out for a debatable offside decision.[LNB]However, John O'Shea did find the net with a smart 17th-minute finish that he dedicated to his father, who has been battling back after a recent illness.[LNB]"John O'Shea took the goal really well," said Ferguson.[LNB]"He is a great professional.[LNB]"The boy never complains. He is happy to play anywhere.[LNB]"He has not always been a number-one choice but he produces 30 performances a season and it is a contribution we are grateful for.[LNB]"He has played in both full-back positions, central defence and in midfield. He is so versatile and offers such great value for us.[LNB]"He has played in most games this season. At the present moment in time, he would be in the team if we got to the final."[LNB]
