Conquering Europe is priority
Owen Hargreaves has revealed winning the Champions League is
United's priority this season, ahead of retaining their Premier
League title. While United remain on course to win both, with a
three-point lead in the title race and a semi-final date with
Barcelona, midfielder Hargreaves claimed Europe is now his side's
main focus. Hargreaves said: "From a distance you associate United
with the Premier League title, which is probably the most
prestigious in Europe. But I've read Roy Keane's book and he says
the most important thing at United is the Champions League. There
was a conversation with him and the manager, who said that without
him they could win the Premier League but they need him fit to win
the Champions League. And the manager pulled Jaap Stam up when Stam
said the priority at United was the league, telling him it was
Europe. There's a totally different atmosphere at Old Trafford for
European games than for domestic fixtures. United now considers
itself a global brand and it needs success in Europe to strengthen
that position."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror
The midfielder also revealed that his career continues to be
blighted by a chronic knee injury. "It's something the doctors say
I have to manage because when you get this problem it stays with
you," said Hargreaves.
Samuel Eto'o believes Barcelona are better than United and he is
already dreaming of a Champions League final date in Moscow.
Fellow striker Thierry Henry claims Middlesborough have provided
Barcelona with the blueprint for ending Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes
of Champions League glory. he said: "Middlesborough showed that if
you attack them you can score goals against United."