21/11/2011 11:00, Report by Mark Froggatt
Sir Alex Ferguson is setting his sights on victory over Benfica and eventually top spot in Group C as he plots to avoid Europe’s elite in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
The boss has done the maths ahead of Tuesday's Old Trafford clash and knows victory over the Portuguese giants would guarantee progress to the last 16, with only a point against FC Basel on Matchday 6 then needed to ensure qualification as section winners.
However, the United manager is wary of a potential upset and has challenged his side to make life easier by taking all six points from the two remaining games.
“We showed a bit of carelessness against Basel but we are joint top with Benfica,” Sir Alex warned. “FC Basel have got five points though so it’s still not over, if you look at all of the different scenarios we can still beat Benfica and go out.
“As stupid as it may seem, if Basel were to go and wallop Otelul Galati and then beat us, they’d be on the same points as us and could knock us out on goal difference, unless Benfica can score enough goals against Galati in their last game. If they do then we are out, so it is interesting.
“The most important thing is to qualify but it is always that little bonus if you are top because then you avoid the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona might not finish top, though, as they’ve got to go to Milan who have been doing alright.”
Inevitably, Sir Alex has kept a watchful eye over United’s Champions League rivals this season and has been particularly impressed by the efforts of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who currently sit three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Among other things, the manager is a fan of Real's work ethic and energy off the ball, as well as the individual talents of Mesut Özil and ex-Reds star Cristiano Ronaldo, whose scoring record in Spain currently stands at 104 goals in 107 appearances.
“I think Real Madrid have improved. I’ve been watching their games and they are playing really well," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "In fact, overall I’ve think they’re playing every bit as good as Barcelona and their goals have been phenomenal. They have definitely improved, there’s no question about that.
“They are fit as hell and they put some energy into their games. I think there is improvement in the boy Ozil too, he has improved a lot and Ronaldo is Ronaldo. He is phenomenal. 104 goals in 107 games is brilliant – it nearly breaks my record!”
source : Manutd
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