Fergie backing for key duo
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to
star for Manchester United against Benfica.
Rooney has been below his best so far this season and has not
scored in Europe for nine games, but Ferguson is confident he will
deliver in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash.
Ferguson believes the England striker, who has had to serve a
three-match ban for a pre-season red card, is still on the way back
to fitness following his broken metatarsal.
"I am not concerned about Wayne's form at all," he said. "All he
needs is games.
"He did well at Reading on Saturday. He showed a big improvement.
There was far more sharpness from him and I am sure that progress
will continue."
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is expected to receive a similarly hostile
reception to last season, when the Benfica boo boys eventually
prompted him to lose his temper and respond with a 'one-fingered'
salute.
The Portuguese winger has ignored taunts from rival fans in The
Premiership this season, and Ferguson feels he will continue to
show his growing maturity.
"I have not spoken to the boy," said Ferguson "I don't need to.
Cristiano is intelligent and he understands the situation.
"He has been fantastic for us so far this season, probably our best
player. He is growing up terrifically and has a fantastic future
ahead of him."
Defender Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, has insisted it is time for
United to start making an impact in Europe.
Ferdinand was a Champions League semi-finalist with Leeds, but has
so far been unable to match that achievement at Old Trafford.
"I joined Manchester United to win trophies, and part of that was
winning European trophies," said the 28-year-old.
"The Champions League is a great opportunity to showcase your
talent and we have not managed to do that."
United crashed out in the group stages last season, and Ferdinand
is eager to avoid another shock exit.
"I do not want to be in that situation again," he stressed.
"It was a very disappointing experience, both individually and
collectively. But what we have to try and do is turn the negatives
into positives.
"The last couple of years have been part of a transitional period
for us.
"We have been trying to build up the experience with new players
coming in. Now it is time for us to go out and prove our worth as
individuals and as a team."
