Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung insists possession counts for nothing in the modern game unless it can be converted into shots on goal.
United secured a precious away win at Stamford Bridge last week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea despite only having 46% of the ball. It follows a trend started by Inter Milan last term, who were content to let Barcelona pass the ball around during their semi-final but denying them any space to exhibit their attacking skills.
At Old Trafford, United would normally be expected to take the match to their visitors. But Park has warned Red Devils fans that might not necessarily be the case, and said: "Possession is not important. What is important is how many chances you create, or how many shots on target you have."
He added: "The other team having the ball in front of us is not a big problem. We just watch and wait.
"If we press, then get the ball, we can play on the counter-attack."
United will go into the second leg in good heart, having maintained their seven-point advantage over nearest Premier League challengers Arsenal over the weekend.
Park was rested for the 2-0 win over Fulham, which gave the clearest hint yet that he will return on Tuesday.
The energetic 30-year-old tends to reserve his most effective performances for the biggest matches.
He was one of United's standout performers last week even though it was only his second game back after two months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
"I try to play well in every single match, not only against Chelsea or Arsenal," he said. "But big games feel different and I like those kind of feelings. I feel stronger and more powerful. Perhaps that's why I can show my performance better than in other games."
Source: PA
