Who needs Ronaldo when Nani plays like that?

February 2, 2010

Has Alex Ferguson got lucky or did he see something in Nani that nobody else could?

The Scot has always stood by the Manchester United winger despite his extremely unfavorable comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and on Sunday against Arsenal all the pieces appeared to fall into place for a player who has flattered to deceive.

Nani’s bamboozling dribble was too much for Arsenal defence as United went in front at The Emirates. The Portuguese then displayed perfect timing and weight of pass to slide the ball though for the marauding Wayne Rooney that effectively settled the game as they went on to win 3-1.

Rooney has been incredible this season, carrying United when they have not played well. But Nani’s contribution as the spark around the solid midfield platform of Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes could be just the injection of firepower that will carry United to a 19th league title.

Nani will never score the goals that Ronaldo managed at Old Trafford but his performances in recent weeks suggest that he finally believes that he belongs in a United shirt. The way he tied Gael Clichy, one of the best fullbacks in Europe, in knots on Sunday bodes well for United.

Nani was eventually replaced by Dimitar Berbatov with a minute to go at Arsenal and received the acclaim of the visiting fans who may just have witnessed the coming of age of another Old Trafford hero.

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Nani celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London January 31, 2010. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

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Tags: Â The, alex ferguson, berbatov, Clichy, darren fletcher, Eddie Keogh, Emirates Stadium, English Premier League, english premier league soccer, Europe, firepower, fullbacks, keogh, london, Manchester, Michael Carrick, nani, old trafford, paul scholes, perfect timing, reuters, ronaldo, Scot, wayne rooney, win 3

Fergie hits out at Wenger over Fletcher criticism

January 30, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger “has let himself” down over comments the Arsenal manager has made about Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

Ferguson described Fletcher as one of the best players in the world on Wednesday after his commanding performance helped United squeeze past Manchester City into the League Cup final after a dramatic 3-1 semi-final second leg win at Old Trafford.

But while the United manager is clearly a huge fan of Fletcher, Wenger is most certainly not.

After losing 2-1 to United at Old Trafford earlier this season, Wenger – angered by Fletcher’s fiesty tackling – claimed he was little more than a bully who played “anti-football”.

Ferguson has taken exception to that opinion and has questioned whether Wenger even believes it himself.

“I think that’s where Arsene lets himself down,” Ferguson said. “Everyone knows that Darren Fletcher is not a dirty player, not a physical player, not built that way, but he can win the ball because his timing and energy to get to the ball is fantastic.

“You can’t call that a fault. That’s a great part of the game, being able to tackle properly and he does tackle properly.

“It’s disappointing. I don’t think Arsene really believes that.”

United visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face Wenger’s side with the race for the Premier League title as tense as ever.

United are currently in second position with 50 points with Arsenal just a single point and place behind them. As a result, Ferguson knows he will need his big players to put in a performance and he is backing Fletcher to come out on top.

“He’s competitive and there’s not many players who run off the ball as well as him,” he added.

“His movement, energy and commitment in every game is wonderful to see.

“There’s not been many big games that he has not played in over the last couple of years and it had maybe taken a while for the fans and press to appreciate what the boy has.

“And there is little you can do about that because he is not stylish player by any means, he is ungainly and gangly but he is a fantastic player.”

Ferguson has recently been employing a single striker in his formation, with Wayne Rooney being tasked to fill that position.

Before this season began, concerns were raised as to whether Rooney could play as an out and out forward but 21 goals so far this season, including five in the last two, has comprehensively answered that question.

And Ferguson is now backing the 24-year-old to continue to prove that he is one of the most influential players in European football.

“There are periods where players hit great form,” Ferguson added “Wayne has hit that great form now. He wasn’t playing as well as that a few months ago.

“His form has increased. I thought Wednesday was an indication of the improvement from Wayne. In the last few weeks he has come on great.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

Tags: alex ferguson, arsenal, big games, bully, darren fletcher, emirates, Emirates Stadium, England, Ferguson, game, Manchester, manchester city, manchester united, midfielder, old trafford, premier league, single point, sir alex ferguson, squeeze, tense, Wayne, wayne rooney, Wenger

Ferguson escapes FA action over referee rant

January 13, 2010

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not face disciplinary action over his latest critcisms of a referee, the Football Association (FA) announced Tuesday.

Ferguson was furious with Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Darren Fletcher during English champions United’s 1-1 draw away to Birmingham City on Sunday.

Afterwards the Scot suggested Clattenburg had been inconsistent this season but the FA, England’s governing body, have decided his remarks did not mean he was alleging bias or questioning the official’s integrity.

“No action will be taken in relation to Sir Alex Ferguson,” an FA spookesman said Tuesday.

As a result, the FA have not activated the two-match suspended sentence hanging over Ferguson for criticising referee Alan Wiley’s fitness earlier this season, for which he was initially punished with a two-match touchline ban.

Scotland midfielder Fletcher was dismissed for two yellow card offences and after the match at St Andrews an irate Ferguson said: “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve not seen a softer sending-off for a long time. It is ridiculous.

“That referee did the Arsenal-Tottenham game earlier in the season and you needed to hit someone with an axe before he booked anyone in that game.”

“There were some wonderful and weird decisions tonight.”

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: AFP, alan wiley, axe, bias, birmingham city, darren fletcher, disciplinary action, England, english champions, fa england, football association, governing body, london, Manchester, manchester united, mark clattenburg, midfielder, referee, Scot, scotland, sir alex ferguson, st andrews, yellow card

Berbatov may need surgery

January 11, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Dimitar Berbatov may have to undergo an operation on his knee. Berbatov could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

Berbatov was not named in the squad as Manchester United drew 1-1 at Birmingham in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and Ferguson says the striker could stay on the injury list for a while.

“Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again,” Ferguson said. “He may have to have an exploratory operation.”

In Berbatov’s absence, Mame Biram Diouf made his debut for the club as an 81st minute substitute but, with Darren Fletcher having been shown a red car.

Ferguson admits it was difficult for the 22-year-old as Wayne Rooney dropped back into midfield.

“I’d hoped to put Diouf up front with Wayne,” he said. “We know he can play alongside someone but to play on his own in his first game was difficult for him.”

Tags: absence, alex ferguson, Birmingham, darren fletcher, Diouf, mame, Manchester, manchester united, minute substitute, premier league, red car, sidelines, sir alex ferguson, striker, wayne rooney

Ferguson tests FA´s patience with new ref rant

January 10, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson may have landed himself in further trouble with the Football Association (FA) after his latest withering assessment of a referee.

The Manchester United manager was furious with Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher towards the end of the English champions’ 1-1 Premier League draw away to Birmingham City here on Saturday.

Ferguson has only recently served a two-match touchline ban for criticising the fitness of referee Alan Wiley earlier this season and has a two-match suspended sentence hanging over his head from the FA.

But that did not stop him from indulging in another spot of referee baiting at St Andrews following a match where a win for United would have seen them replace Chelsea at the top of the table.

Fletcher was dismissed for two yellow cards, the second of which was for a foul on Birmingham goalscorer Cameron Jerome three minutes from the end of another sub-standard performance by Ferguson’s side, just a week after their FA Cup capitulation to third division Leeds United.

Rather than concentrate on the deficiencies of his players, Ferguson opted for a concerted attack on Clattenburg, saying: “I saw him referee Arsenal against Spurs recently and someone needed to take out an axe to get booked and then he sends someone off for that. It was very, very soft.

“I’ve not seen a softer sending-off for a long time, absolutely ridiculous.

“There were some weird and wonderful decisions going on out there. The linesman gives offside for our goal and it’s an own-goal! (which negates offside). And he still gives offside.”

Ferguson, who may well be asked for an explanation of his comments by FA officials, insisted he was happy with a draw against an in-form Birmingham side managed by Alex McLeish, who played for the United manager when he was previously in charge of Aberdeen.

The United boss made seven changes from the team beaten by Leeds, but was forced to leave out Dimitar Berbatov because of a knee injury that is causing some concern for the Bulgaria striker.

“Berbatov has been carrying a little knee injury and played with it last week,” Ferguson said. “We’ll just try to get him sorted and get him fit again.”

Reflecting on the match, he added: “We’re satisfied with a point because this is a difficult place to go to. It’s not a bad point.

“It’s a tough league. I have been saying that for months,” Ferguson insisted. “I don’t know if anyone is listening.

“Going to Birmingham is not going to be easy. Teams like Birmingham have really improved, Alex has players that will run 100 miles for him. It is a point gained for us.”

Birmingham broke a club record stretching way back to 1907-08 with their 12th successive top-flight unbeaten league game and only Scott Dann’s own-goal deprived them of a famous victory.

But McLeish refused to get carried away and insisted Premier League survival was his only target, even though that seems all but assured for a Birmingham side that are now eighth in the table.

“We have done nothing yet, because we could lose every remaining game this season,” the former Scotland defender said.

“It is a record to be proud of, but I am not that interested in statistics.”

Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel was a guest at St Andrews for the game and is expected to complete a 2.75 million pounds transfer early next week depending on the outcome of a medical.

BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP)

Tags: alex mcleish, berbatov, birmingham city, birmingham england, capitulation, concerted attack, darren fletcher, english champions, football association, knee injury, leeds united, manchester united, mark clattenburg, sir alex ferguson, yellow cards

Man United stress Leeds is top priority

January 3, 2010

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher insists that Sunday’s FA Cup duel with historic rivals Leeds is his immediate concern rather than a Premier League-Champions League double.

Leeds, former English champions but currently playing in the third tier of domestic football after a spectacular fall from grace, will be the first in a series of key games for United.

After Sunday comes a meeting with Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals before Premier League battle resumes again at Birmingham on January 9.

AC Milan are then on the agenda in the Champions League in February.

“Everyone looks ahead and speaks about the Christmas period but the matches we are into now straight afterwards are just as important,” said Fletcher.

“I just take each game as it comes and think all the other players do the same thing.

“You can look too far ahead of yourself and start thinking about what is to come whether you have an easy run of games.

“But it never works out like that. We have the FA Cup, the League Cup semi-final and then more important league games. The best thing to do is try to win them all.”

Teammate Michael Carrick said he is relishing United’s clash with Leeds and feels Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are on the verge of a fine burst of form.

United go into the new year two points off the Premier League leaders Chelsea and safely through to the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

Even so, England midfielder Carrick accepts United have not hit top gear yet during the campaign.

The Old Trafford club have lost five matches in the Premier League and have been beset by defensive injuries.

Those problems at the back are starting to clear up, with Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic forming what looks like a solid central defensive partnership.

Ferguson intends to use his youngsters in the League Cup against City but has said he will opt for a strong selection against League One leaders Leeds.

The Yorkshire club, who pipped Ferguson’s men to the domestic title in 1992, have been in the third division of English football for three years but as recently as a decade ago were significant top-flight contenders.

The teams’ first meeting since Leeds were relegated in 2004 is eagerly awaited and the visitors are set to bring 9,000 supporters to Old Trafford.

But Carrick is looking forward to his first taste of this most intense of fixtures.

“Experiencing those types of feisty atmospheres are why you play football,” Carrick said.

“Rivalries like that add extra spice. It is great for the fans and good for the players.

“No matter where you play, or whether the atmosphere is for or against you, it is a great feeling to play.

“Besiktas were very hostile when we went there earlier this season (in the Champions League) but it was still terrific to play in.

“Leeds are bringing a lot of fans and we are looking forward to it. It should be a cracking game.”

United have lost two of their last five matches at home but beat Wigan 5-0 last time out and Carrick is desperate for them to continue their improvement at Old Trafford against Leeds.

“We have not hit top form all season, especially at home,” Carrick conceded. “We have just been doing enough to get through. We know we are better than that and now is the time to do it.”

Ferguson has hinted that Gary Neville will play against Leeds and he will use a similar side to the one that thrashed Wigan.

Leeds have not won at Old Trafford since 1981 and they go into Sunday’s match as huge underdogs.

But midfielder Jonny Howson insists they have nothing to fear, having narrowly lost 1-0 to Liverpool in the League Cup earlier this season.

“They have big players but we want to test ourselves and impress against these players,” Howson said.

“We have players who can hurt and you saw that against Liverpool (in the League Cup). We caused them problems.

“I saw an interview with Jamie Carragher where he said we were their toughest game up to that point so I don’t see why we can’t cause them (United) problems on Sunday.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

Tags: ac milan, alex ferguson, christmas period, darren fletcher, domestic football, english champions, FA Cup, fall from grace, key games, league champions, league games, league leaders, manchester city, Michael Carrick, midfielder, Nemanja, semi finals, sir alex ferguson, spectacular fall, wes brown

Ferguson fearful after Fulham run riot

December 20, 2009

Manchester United’s resources may have made them the envy of world football but Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a lack of defensive depth may cost them a fourth straight English Premier League title.

United are struggling to cope with a crippling injury list which has deprived them of six senior defenders in recent weeks – a scenario which, even for a club with their swollen bank account, has proved untenable.

Having already slumped to a surprise defeat at home to Aston Villa this month, United’s makeshift back-line crumpled again on Saturday, as they were beaten 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Ferguson, having been denied the services of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Jonny Evans and Edwin van der Sar through injury, cited his cluttered treatment room as mitigation for this latest loss.

United spurned this chance to leapfrog Chelsea at the league summit and a poor return from a crowded Christmas schedule could leave a severe dent in the club’s title aspirations.

“There’s a fragility at the back at the moment and this was a difficult day for us all round,” said Ferguson.

“With the way the league is, it’s damaging and we just hope it’s not the one that costs us the league.

“We need to start getting some of our players back to give us a proper chance. The guys are doing their best to get the players back, working overtime, but there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.

“Maybe the fragile nature of the players at the back has given some of the others a reason to feel sorry for themselves.”

“Fragile” is a kind way to describe the nature of the back-line United deployed on Saturday.

Having shoe-horned his side into an awkward 3-5-2 formation, Ferguson’s team began with Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ritchie de Laet as a central defensive trio.

They didn’t enjoy the experience and the narrowing of the visitors’ defence allowed Fulham space to exploit behind United wing-backs Patrice Evra and Antonio Valencia.

In the circumstances, United could ill afford the sort of sloppy individual error committed by Paul Scholes in the build-up to Fulham’s first goal as the ex-England midfielder allowed himself to be dispossessed by Danny Murphy, who advanced and shot home from 20 yards.

Tomasz Kuszczak had already been forced into one superb save from Zoltan Gera as United drifted listlessly around a frozen Craven Cottage, but if their ears were singed by Ferguson’s half-time team-talk, it did not show.

Within seconds of the re-start, Bobby Zamora had lashed in from close range for, as Ferguson termed it, “the killer goal” and it was left to Damien Duff to rattle in the third in the 75th minute after more good work from Zamora

Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side have made a habit of bloodying the noses of the great and good in recent seasons and this was arguably their most impressive result ever in the Premier League.

“It’s a mark of how far we have come,” Hodgson said. “Our major ambition is to sustain the standard we have set.

“I would be wary to say we should try and raise the bar even higher. It’s like the elastic band story – you can pull it so far and then it breaks.”

At present, though, it is United’s resources which are more likely to snap.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: alex ferguson, Antonio Valencia, aston villa, CHELSEA, christmas schedule, craven cottage, Damien Duff, Danny Murphy, darren fletcher, de laet, Edwin van der, edwin van der sar, England, English Premier League, Ferguson, fragile nature, fulham, gary neville, london, Manchester, Michael Carrick, nemanja vidic, patrice evra, paul scholes, premier league, Rio, rio ferdinand, Ritchie De Laet, sir alex ferguson, straight english, surprise defeat, title aspirations, van der sar, wes brown, zoltan gera

Fulham treble dents United title bid

December 19, 2009

Manchester United’s English Premier League title ambitions suffered a setback as they slumped to an abject 3-0 defeat by Fulham here on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side delivered one of their most toothless displays of the season at a bitterly cold Craven Cottage and were deservedly beaten thanks to goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff.

Defeat ensured United did not overhaul leaders Chelsea and they could be six points adrift of the west Londoners at Christmas – not an irretrievable position, particularly given the club’s habit of reserving their best form for the new year, but hardly ideal.

There are, without question, serious problems for Ferguson to address.

Injuries have deprived the Scot of the majority of his first-choice back four and the defence which was pulled apart so easily on Saturday took the term ‘makeshift’ to a whole new level.

Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick were both pulled back from midfield while Ritchie de Laet made just his third league start at centre-half: none enjoyed the experience.

Fulham’s attackers duly feasted on the unexpected swathes of space which opened up in United’s defensive third and Ferguson must now consider whether he has to spend in January to plug some of those gaping holes.

The focus, inevitably, will be on United’s deficiencies following their heaviest defeat of the season but that is unfair on Fulham, who were little short of magnificent.

The south-west Londoners have won five of their last seven games and no longer have an inferiority complex when they are confronted by members of the Premier League’s elite.

Roy Hodgson’s side were the more polished outfit.

Disciplined in defence, combative in midfield and creative in attack, Fulham penned their illustrious guests in their own half for long spells and might have won by an even greater margin.

United were grateful to their stand-in goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak in the 18th minute, the Poland international producing a superb reaction save from Zoltan Gera after the striker had met Zamora’s chested pass on the volley at close range.

Kuszczak deserved the thanks of his team-mates but, instead, they repaid him poorly, leaking a dreadful opening goal just four minutes later.

After Paul Scholes dawdled on the ball just inside his own-half, Murphy snaffled away possession, advanced 20 yards and struck a low, bouncing shot that found the bottom corner.

Another slip from the former England international in the 32nd minute almost gifted Fulham a second, Clint Dempsey seizing on his error and releasing Gera in the area.

The Hungarian’s chipped cross was just too fractionally high for Zamora at the back post, whose header slid wide.

Ferguson undoubtedly subjected his side to some of his infamous ‘hairdryer’ treatment at the interval but, for once, it failed to have the desired effect.

Instead, within seconds of the re-start, United were further behind.

Duff charged down the right and looped a teasing cross to the back post, where Dempsey rose above Darren Fletcher and nodded down to Zamora. The striker lashed in from close range for his fourth goal in three games.

Ferguson flung on Dimitar Berbatov to join the ineffective Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney as the away contingent bellowed “attack, attack” but it had little effect.

Instead, Fulham rubber-stamped their triumph with a well crafted third in the 75th minute, Duff volleying in from Zamora’s lay-off.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: alex ferguson, bobby zamora, craven cottage, Damien Duff, Danny Murphy, darren fletcher, de laet, England, English Premier League, fulham, illustrious guests, inferiority complex, last seven games, london, londoners, Manchester, manchester united, Michael Carrick, michael owen, midfield, paul scholes, premier league, Ritchie De Laet, roy hodgson, sir alex ferguson, six points, tomasz kuszczak, wayne rooney, west Londoners, zoltan gera

Man Utd´s Vidic set for Villa return

December 12, 2009

Nemanja Vidic is set to make a return to the heart of Manchester United’s defence when the English champions face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Serbia international was one of eight United defenders to miss the midweek 3-1 Champions League win at Wolfsburg, due to illness.

Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to rely on a back-line that included Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick and had Patrice Evra as the only recognized defender.

But first-choice centre back Vidic is set to return against Martin O?Neill?s side to bring some much needed defensive strength.

However, with Rio Ferdinand, John O?Shea and Jonny Evans all likely to miss the festive programme, United manager Ferguson may have to call on Carrick at the back once again if Wes Brown does not return from an ankle injury against ambitious Villa.

Despite the disruption caused by their lengthy injury list, United made up ground in the title race last weekend, with their 4-0 win over West Ham and Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City moving Ferguson’s team within two points of the leaders.

United have responded to their fitness problems with four straight wins that have seen them score 13 goals.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson has been one beneficiary of the growing sick list at Old Trafford and now he is is determined to hold down a first-team place.

With Fletcher and Carrick being pressed into more defensive roles, the 22-year-old Gibson has featured in five games in the last month and has come up with three goals.

“It is a difficult time for United,” said Gibson. “Obviously I don’t like players being injured but it has given me a chance to prove myself.

“From not playing at all to playing three games in a week is tough going,” he added.

“But the manager has shown enough trust in me and I feel I have taken my opportunities so far. Hopefully, they keep coming.

“As everyone knows, it is very difficult to make it at United but if you do it, you reap the rewards.

“The gaffer (Ferguson) is famous for giving chances to young lads. If you take your chance he sticks with you, so hopefully I will keep getting a few more games,” Gibson said.

Although they have coped admirably without so many defenders, Scotland midfielder Fletcher said it was vital Ferguson got his first-choice back four in place as soon as possible.

“We have a few problems and the sooner our defenders come back the better,” Fletcher said.

“But if not we’ll have to rally round as a team like we did in midweek and try to put in a professional performance.

“We always go into games thinking we have enough quality to win the match, no matter what the team is.

“But we want our defenders fit because we have some big games coming up and need everyone available.”

Despite United’s ongoing injury concerns, Villa manager Martin O’Neill insisted his fifth-placed team would be far from over-confident for their trip to the champions.

“If you had listened to Sir Alex talking before their European game this week he mentioned that the most important thing for him was Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.” O’Neill said.

“He might not have every single option available to him but he’ll have a lot more options available to him on Saturday, you can guarantee that.

“Manchester United couldn’t have won the number of championships they have without having one of the strongest squads in European football.

“It will be tough.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

Tags: ankle injury, carrick, CHELSEA, darren fletcher, darron gibson, England, english champions, five games, Fletcher, John, john o shea, lengthy injury, Manchester, manchester city, Martin, martin o neill, Michael Carrick, Neill, old trafford, patrice evra, republic of ireland, return to the heart, rio ferdinand, scotland, sick list, Sir Alex, sir alex ferguson, vidic, wes brown, west ham

Real, Juve, Milan eye Champions League progress

December 8, 2009

The first four Champions League groups conclude on Tuesday with a host of major clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich still unsure of a place in the knockout phase.

Real are practically assured of qualification and can afford to lose their Group C clash at Marseille on Tuesday by three goals, while Milan will progress from the same group with victory at FC Zurich.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka has been ruled out for Real due to a groin injury but Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite being sent off in his side’s 4-2 La Liga win over Almeria on Saturday.

Karim Benzema was on target against Almeria, converting a rebound in the 83rd minute to put his side 3-2 up after Ronaldo had seen a penalty saved, and the former Lyon striker is likely to receive a hostile reception from the Marseille fans.

“It’s always a pleasure to return to France. We expect the match in Marseille to be tough,” he said.

German giants Bayern Munich travel to Juventus in Group A knowing that only a win will prolong their Champions League campaign.

Juve lost 2-0 at Bordeaux in their last match in the competition, handing the French champions top spot in the group, but they warmed up for the visit of Bayern with a rousing 2-1 win at home to Serie A leaders Inter and need just a draw against Bayern to join Bordeaux in the last 16.

“This can be very useful going into the Bayern game if we are smart, humble, focused and realise we can play with this aggression against everyone,” said Juventus’s veteran forward Alessandro Del Piero after the win over Inter.

“If we forget that, then we run the same old risks.”

Bayern will still be without tendinitis victim Franck Ribery for the trip to Turin but Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Belgian centre-back Daniel van Buyten have both overcome injuries to be included in the squad.

The four-time European champions endured a poor start to the season but their 2-1 win at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday extended their unbeaten return in the league to eight matches and took them up to third in the Bundesliga standings.

“We have three games left until the winter break,” said goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt. “We have to win them all, and we can win them all.”

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Wolfsburg can join Manchester United in the knockout round if their result at home to the English champions in Group B is better than what CSKA Moscow achieve at Besiktas.

United will tie up top spot, and subsequently a favourable draw in the last 16, with a draw at Wolfsburg but coach Sir Alex Ferguson will be forced to field a makeshift defence due to a mounting injury crisis at the club.

“I don’t know where I’m going to get a back four for Tuesday,” Ferguson said after his side ended the 4-0 Premier League win at West Ham on Saturday with midfielders Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs playing in defence.

“The injuries in defence are becoming a bit of a headache to us. Michael Carrick stepped in and did very well.”

Chelsea and Porto are already sure of a place in the next round, Chelsea as winners of Group D, but Atletico Madrid will seal a consolation berth in the Europa League if APOEL Nicosia fail to win at Chelsea.

Defending champions Barcelona travel to Dynamo Kiev in Group F on Wednesday and can afford to lose by any two-goal scoreline apart from 2-0 and still go through due to their head-to-head record, while in the same group Inter Milan face a winner-takes-all home meeting with Russian champions Rubin Kazan.

PARIS (AFP)