Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are perfectly placed to take advantage of the pressure on Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg as the defending champions aim to return to the final of Europe’s elite club competition.
The Red Devils travel to the Emirates Stadium in the ascendancy after John O’Shea’s goal secured a 1-0 win in the first leg last week. A draw would be enough for United to reach the final for the second successive season.
The Premier League leaders could even lose and still go through on away goals if they score and are defeated by just a one-goal margin.
The United manager is convinced United are in pole position because Arsenal’s failure to score at Old Trafford means they now have to play a more open game, leaving the way open for Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and company to wreak havoc on the counter-attack.
“They must be worried about us scoring. Any team who goes to play the second leg at home when they haven’t scored in the first must worry about losing that goal. That’s a fact of life,” Ferguson said.
Key to United’s success in the first leg was the dominance of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson in central midfield. The tigerish trio hounded Arsenal from the off and, with Spanish playmaker Cesc Fabregas denied the time to find his rhythm, United had complete control for much of the match.
Ferguson rested all three midfielders for Saturday’s 2-0 win at Middlesbrough and Fletcher admitted United’s gameplan would again focus on knocking Arsenal out of their stride.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists his players won’t be so timid in attack this time and he takes heart from the obdurate form of their defence at the Emirates.
They have already beaten United at the Emirates this season, although a repeat of that 2-1 win wouldn’t be enough to reach the final.
“We have a good defensive record at the Emirates, and in the Premier League Manchester United have suffered in away games,” Wenger said.
“We can have an attacking style at home without conceding goals and that is what we want on Tuesday.
“We were unable to penetrate and create clear-cut chances in the first leg but the positive is that Manchester United had chances to win by more than one.”
