Source: SKY_Sports
Ferguson - Talk is cheap
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping he is not tempting fate by wishing for back-to-back UEFA Champions League wins.[LNB] No team has successfully defended the trophy since the competition changed to its group format, with AC Milan, Ajax and Juventus all losing finalists 12 months after lifting the trophy.[LNB]Holders United meet Premier League rivals Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday and Ferguson remains hopeful of repeating last year's final success over Chelsea.[LNB]"When we won it in Moscow the point was made in the press conference about no side having ever retained the cup in the Champions League format," said Ferguson.[LNB]"I didn't know that was the case at the time, but you say to yourself it would be great if we could be the first do that. We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us.[LNB]"Talk is cheap, but faint heart never won fair lady and it's something I would dearly love to do.[LNB]"Some might say I am tempting fate, but at Old Trafford we have always set our sights high.[LNB]"No one is saying it will be easy, and we will certainly need to enjoy that little rub of luck and freedom from injury that can make you or break you."[LNB]Epic timesMeanwhile, Ferguson has praised the job Arsene Wenger has done at Arsenal after the Frenchman's future was questioned earlier this season.[LNB]The United chief added: "You had me out of the door three years ago. You had me in a bath chair down on Torquay beach. That is the cynical world we are in.[LNB]"But Arsene has always kept his principles the same. His consistency hasn't changed and Arsenal have reaped the rewards.[LNB]"I like the way they play and also in their use of young players.[LNB]"The history and tradition of both clubs has been the highest for years now.[LNB]"We always looked over our shoulders at Arsenal and they looked over their shoulders at us. Now we have Chelsea banging on the door. This season Liverpool are making a big effort.[LNB]"But ourselves and Arsenal have certainly been the dominant forces. Those epic times are back with us and I am looking forward to a great match."[LNB]
