Pulis relishing Utd battle

Tony Pulis cannot wait for his Stoke side to get stuck into Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday. The Potters lost out to a late Carlos Tevez goal on Boxing Day in last season's corresponding fixture. While Pulis says his side respect the champions, they will give it a go at the Britannia, which they have turned into something of a fortress with their supporters' help. He said: "We surprised a lot of teams last year and they will give us a lot more credence now. That has made it much more difficult in many ways. "We have made improvements but there is no way in a million years we will get carried away. "You look at United's history all the way through from 1958. The club is steeped in tradition. "We will enjoy the game against them as we had been out of the top flight for 30-odd years. To have an opportunity to bring United here is first class. "We will show them respect but once the whistle goes we will give it a go. You have always got a chance. "United will be fully aware of what we can do and how much of an effect our supporters have on the game." Stoke ran Premier League leaders Chelsea close last month before losing to a late goal from Florent Malouda and Pulis is looking for a similar display. He added: "Chelsea played their strongest team against us and we gave them a good game. So we are hoping for the same against United. "They are a team that has a special feel about it. Good sides still win games even when they are not playing well. "We are now playing with a bit of form and while it is a great game it will be tough." While United lost two of their key players in the summer with Cristiano Ronaldo and Tevez, Pulis believes the longevity of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes is a boost for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson. He said: "Clubs do not get over losing players like Ronaldo and Tevez quickly. It is very difficult whether you are Manchester United or Stoke to lose a player who has been scoring so freely and creating goals for his team-mates. "The greatest thing for Alex is how well players like Scholes and Giggs are doing. It is pretty amazing they are not just still going but going strong as well. "It is amazing. When Giggs finishes playing he will be seen as one of the greats of the game, I am sure."

Source: SKY_Sports