Source: Telegraph
Manchester United boost as Rio Ferdinand in squad to face Porto
Ferdinand missed last week's home draw with a groin injury suffered on international duty. But the England international did make the flight to Portugal and will partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence if fit. [LNB]The news will come as a huge boost to Ferguson whose defence has come under a certain degree of criticism in recent weeks. [LNB] Related ArticlesFerguson remains defiantFerguson: Macheda specialFergie warns RonaldoBenitez piles pressure on UnitedManchester United have a job to do after Porto snatch late drawManchester United given nagging feeling over Devon Loch comparisonAfter last week's home draw, which saw Mariano Gonzalez score a last minute equaliser, Ferguson lamented that his back four had looked fragile. But the presence of Vidic and Ferdinand in Portugal will surely help United return to some normality. [LNB]Their trip to Portugal sees them attempting to become the first English team to beat Porto on their own ground [LNB]However daunting the challenge they face at the Estádio do Dragão, Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo is confident his team has the passion and ability to achieve the momentous feat. [LNB]"We will win because Manchester United are the better team. I feel good and I'm ready," he said. [LNB]"I think we have a better team than Porto but we have to respect them. I want to finish the season by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. My team-mates are thinking like me." [LNB]Meanwhile, Porto goalkeeper Bruno Alves has said the second-leg quarter-final is all about exacting revenge after he gifted Wayne Rooney his equaliser last week. [LNB]Referring to the tie as the showdown of the season, Alves said: "We are prepared for the battle of the year; Manchester United need goals so they will need to come and attack. But for me this is about a personal bit of revenge. [LNB]"I failed at Old Trafford with the way that I gave Rooney a goal, so I need to make sure I produce the best match of the season. [LNB]"We know that United have a wonderful attack but we are the champions of Portugal and we have already shown what we are capable of in the first leg - we need to show the same ambition."[LNB]
