Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie expects final progress

30 Apr 2009 - 08:00:56

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that his side can finish Arsenal off in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.

The Red Devils won the first leg 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a John O'Shea strike in the first half, but passed up several chances to increase their advantage for next week's return.

Ferguson said: "Arsene (Wenger) will be thinking it has been a good day for him. He could have been out of the tie but he is not.

"But before the game I said I didn't want us to concede a goal and we achieved that. The tie is not dead but we have given ourselves a good chance.

"We played at a good high tempo and maybe we should have scored four goals, but before the game I wanted to win without losing a goal.

"We know we can go there and score and that is the big problem Arsenal have.

"The bigger problem is if you don't make the chances. I believe they can make the chances again. We know we have goal threats."

Ferguson went on to praise matchwinner O'Shea, adding: "He is a great professional. The boy never complains and he is happy to play anywhere.

"He has not always been a number one choice, but he produces 30 performances a season and it is a contribution we are grateful for.

"He has played in both full-back positions, central defence and in midfield. He is so versatile and offers such great value for us.

"He has played in most games this season. At the present moment in time, he would be in the team if we got to the final."