Kneesy does it: Manchester United's dreams of a
Treble are still very much alive
Manchester United took another big step towards
the Treble on Tuesday night as they reached the Champions League
semi-finals for the fourth time in five years.
Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-sung gave United a 3-1
aggregate win after substitute Didier Drogba equalised on the night
for 10-man Chelsea, who had Ramires sent off in the second
half.
Defeat means Carlo Ancelotti's side are likely to finish
the season empty-handed and leaves the Italian with his job on the
line.
Ancelotti later admitted he may have blundered by starting
with £50million striker Fernando Torres, who was substituted at
half-time after failing to score for the 11th game.
Ferguson, who was taking charge of his 100th European game
at Old Trafford, paid tribute to Ryan Giggs who set up both of
United’s goals, saying: ‘He’s incredible — a unique person and
player. His contribution is big because of the goal he set up in
the first game, and the part he played in the goals tonight. To
play at 37 requires tremendous sacrifice.’
Drogba, a half-time replacement for Torres, cancelled out
Hernandez’s goal after 76 minutes but United were ahead again
through Park 21 seconds later.
Easy Pea-sy: Javier Hernandez kept up his habit of
scoring important goals at important times
Ferguson added: ‘That was the break we got in the
game, to be honest. It was a stupid goal for us to lose and we had
to respond quickly. Park’s record in big games is
fantastic.
‘We played very well against a very good team. Even with
10 men they had a go and credit to them, but I thought we were the
better team on the night.’
Questioned about winning the Treble as United prepare for
Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City, Ferguson said:
‘I keep being asked about it but you need luck to do that. Saturday
is a massive game.
‘Momentum is a great thing and everybody is desperate to
play in every game. They’re desperate to play against City on
Saturday.’
In safe hands? Carlo Ancelotti seems unlikely to
hold on to his job for much longer
United are now set for a likely semi-final meeting
with Schalke.
Ancelotti insisted he does not fear for his future
following Chelsea’s latest European failure. He said: ‘I’m not
concerned. I have to work. I have to try to do my best. It’s not my
decision whether I stay or not here. I haven’t spoken with him
(Roman Abramovich).’
Asked if it was a mistake to start with Torres rather than
Drogba, he added: ‘Maybe. Could be. But I thought a long time to
take this decision. I preferred to start with Fernando for this
kind of game, with these kind of tactics. Didier played very well
in the second half.’
