Source: Eurosport
Ferguson Demands High Tempo
Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United to go "full throttle" in their attempt to overcome FC Porto at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.[LNB]Although the Portuguese outfit overcame United at the first knock-out stage in 2004, few are expecting a repeat, with Ferguson's men odds-on favourites to reach their third successive semi-final.[LNB]But the Red Devils chief is taking nothing for granted. And even though his side are back in action barely 48 hours after the thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa, he is demanding that they hold nothing back.[LNB]"It would be stupid to think this is going to be easy," said Ferguson.[LNB]"When teams are used to winning their domestic title, as Porto are in Portugal, you always feel they will play with great confidence.[LNB]"They have a lot of South Americans in their team as well, which gives them a great physical strength.[LNB]"By beating Atletico Madrid in the last round, Porto proved they will be hard to beat. Complacency does not come into it as far as we are concerned.[LNB]"We will be going at full throttle in order to get the result we want."[LNB]United will be bolstered by the return of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes from suspension, although not Rio Ferdinand, who is still troubled by a groin injury.[LNB]As well as that trio, Ferguson is likely to call on Park Ji-Sung, whose energy could be a useful weapon.[LNB]However, the majority of Ferguson's starting line-up will be asked to follow up from Sunday, ensuring there was only time for a massage and a few loosening exercises in training on Monday morning.[LNB]Cristiano Ronaldo is certain to be a key figure, although he once again was forced to state how happy he is at Old Trafford amid fresh reports of a potential summer move to Real Madrid.[LNB]"We always have this question," he grumbled, with Ferguson adding the continued speculation was "pathetic" before Ronaldo delivered his well-rehearsed response.[LNB]"I am happy at this club. I think it is the right club," said Ronaldo.[LNB]Ronaldo is more interested in continuing the major role he played against Villa, when his two-goal haul took his seasonal tally to 20.[LNB]United are now a point ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand and the Portuguese confidently stated: "We are the best team in England.[LNB]"We have shown that by being top of the table. That speaks for itself.[LNB]"We respect all our opponents but if we carry on winning, we will win the title again."[LNB]Indeed, United are still on track to record an unprecedented quintuple, with Ronaldo not quite being as dismissive about the project as Ferguson.[LNB]"We have a chance to win everything this season," said Ronaldo.[LNB]"First we have to beat FC Porto. After that, we must carry on."[LNB]
