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. The news will come as a huge boost to Ferguson whose defence has come under a certain degree of criticism in recent weeks. 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. Their trip to Portugal sees them attempting to become the first English team to beat Porto on their own ground 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. "We will win because Manchester United are the better team. I feel good and I'm ready," he said. "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." 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. 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. "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. "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."