Source: Daily_Mail
Ferreira relishing the chance to end United's Champions League dreams
Top pick: Ferreira wanted a crack at United[LNB]Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira could not have been more delighted when his side drew Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals. [LNB]The two sides square up in the first leg of their last-eight clash at Old Trafford tonight with Porto looking to repeat an amazing win under Jose Mourinho on their way to lifting the trophy in 2004. [LNB]Given United's status as defending champions and current co-favourites to repeat their triumph in Rome on May 27, Ferreira could be forgiven if he mustered only a groan of disappointment when he discovered Porto's opponents. [LNB]Instead, he was punching the air with joy. [LNB] 'It was always likely we would be drawn against an English side,' said the 62-year-old. [LNB]'Of seven possible opponents, four were English. But Manchester United were the ones I would have chosen to play against and my players would have made the same choice. [LNB]'It is a chance to prove what we can do against a top team. I have watched United and know what to expect. We will be well prepared.'[LNB]However, Ferreira does recognise the financial gulf that exists between the two sides, with United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson able to construct a massive squad that is beyond his capabilities. [LNB]But there is no sense of inferiority in the Porto camp, just a determination to work smarter in an effort to bridge the gap. [LNB]'When you look at the money rankings and analyse the differences, it gives a certain pleasure to see us there,' said Ferreira. [LNB][LNB][LNB] Incredible: Hulk is a main weapon for Porto[LNB]'United and Porto's conditions are different. The leagues are different and the players too. [LNB]'I would like to say we could sign big stars but it wouldn't be true. We have to sign players nobody knows. But the game is the same and we can compete for results and titles. We just have to be cleverer than the other teams.'[LNB]Ferreira will be counting on the formidable striking talents of Hulk and Lisandro Lopez to get the away goal Porto crave. [LNB]But he will be relying on the same players that have been the basis of Porto's charge to the top of the table as they look to emulate Mourinho's team by reaching the semi-finals. [LNB]'It is hard for us to save players,' he said. 'We have a heavy schedule but have not been able to rest players because they are all games we want to win. [LNB]'It is inevitable we have so many games but we just have to cope with it.' [LNB] United turbo charged: Macheda goal gives champions new beliefUnited 'stole' our kid! Lazio hit out at Ferguson over boy wonder MachedaSir Alex: United need two goal lead before travelling to PortoTeenage kicks: Macheda becomes a hero of the Facebook generationVIDEO SPECIAL: See Federico Macheda in action - Manchester United's latest teen sensationMANCHESTER UNITED FC
