UNITED Vs Lille (1-0) (CL - 07/03/07 - 19:45)

[Rob]

I've got corporate tickets for the South stand from Sony, 1st row on the 2nd tear... Hopefully Utd will score early and I can concentrate on the free Bud... the longer it goes at 0-0 the worse it will get... I can't see Utd not winning, I just hope they do it nice and easy...

[Rais.n.Hell]

nyjorge said:

raisnhell said:

I want Giggsy to take another quick one like last time! God I'll love it!!

He should take a quick one right before the kick off ..

That wont count ...no no i want it to count...i want it to make them cringe...and when they walk out on us, i want Neville to go and score after which Vida should go and smash their captain's head in!

[RedArmy20]

omg the injueries are hitting at this important stage of the season, some are minor injuries, but still, lille match shouldnt be taken so easly but i hope vidic scores again hehe:D

[missunited]

Fergie: We must keep our cool

SIR Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players not to get sucked into a war with Lille at Old Trafford.

The French side are still seething over Ryan Giggs' controversial late winner at the Stade Felix-Bollaert a fortnight ago.

Having had two claims against the goal turned down by UEFA, Lille's sense of injustice has only increased, with their camp openly questioning Giggs' integrity over the quickly-taken free-kick the Welshman insists he would convert again if he had the chance.

With the memories of Lille's last visit to Old Trafford - when Giggs sustained a fractured cheekbone following a dubious challenge from Efstathios Tavlaridis - still fresh in the mind, Ferguson has told his players not to let their minds get distracted from the task of protecting their narrow advantage and securing a quarter-final place for the first time in four years.

The United boss said: "Our focus is firmly on qualifying, nothing else.

"It is hard to understand why they are still going on about it but there is no reason for us to get involved in grievances or any emotional attachment to the game.

"This is a big event for us. It is important we progress and do better than we have done in the previous few years."

Chortle

Ferguson did allow himself a chortle when it was suggested United should again try the quick free-kick routine which led to Lille almost storming off the field, a move likely to be punished by UEFA at an independent hearing on March 22, which will also encompass the security problems which saw riot police fire tear gas into the visiting section of the ground.

However, the Scot grew much more serious when the specific allegations against Giggs were mentioned.

Ferguson rebutted: "I do not think we should try to defend Ryan Giggs given the career he has had.

"His career does that for him. I won't get involved in that."

It is 11 years since Ajax became the only side in Champions League history to overturn a first-leg deficit inflicted on home soil to advance in a knockout tie - Panathinaikos the hapless victims - so United would not appear to have too much to disturb them.

Power

They may not have been at their best over the past couple of weeks but four successive away wins, culminating in Saturday's potentially pivotal Barclays Premiership victory at Liverpool, has emphasised the staying power of Ferguson's troops.

Yet, in failing on two occasions to beat Wednesday's opponents last season, and by losing to both Copenhagen and Celtic already this term, the Red Devils know little is certain in European football these days.

Ferguson continued: "Europe is a test, it doesn't matter who you play.

"You cannot take anything for granted as it proved last year and against Celtic and Copenhagen, when we were very careless.

"But I trust the players because they are showing great expression in their game.

"We are approaching the game in a good mind and with a strong spirit, so we have a big chance."

With Louis Saha injured and Patrice Evra doubtful, Henrik Larsson and Gabriel Heinze seem certain to start, while Alan Smith is virtually guaranteed a place on the bench even though he has not made a first-team appearance since the Carling Cup defeat at Southend in November.

---

I expect our lads to be real professionals tomorrow and not let the childish rubbish coming from the Lille camp effect that. However, I also expect the French team on the field to behave like professionals, rather than reflecting the poor image created by their coaching staff.

[Red Yank]

The bottom line is to go out there and win the match so we can advance, to be focused on anything else is a waste. If the result goes our way then we know who the better side is and that ends that.

[Rais.n.Hell]

nyjorge said:

The bottom line is to go out there and win the match so we can advance, to be focused on anything else is a waste. If the result goes our way then we know who the better side is and that ends that.

Well said RY!

[RedArmy20]

of course, you should always concentrate on the game, nothing else matters but u and your team. when u come out on the pitch you just have to FORGET about your personal life FOREGET everything that has not to do with the game you are playing, fergie is so experienced he knows how young lads can get off hand sometimes, and he controls it good, and its good to see.

[A-t-S]

I'm hoping we teach them how football is supposed to be played : The Manchester united way !

[gavinm2]

I just hope that we keep our heads. If we score early then I imagine the Lille lads will start trying to kick us about.

Knowing some of our lads (as we do) can you imagine Roo, Scholes, Vidic, Gabby, Smith not having a go back? DONT THINK SO!

SAF will be minefull of that and I think he will pick a team that can be shifted around to bring on the likes of O'shea, Silvestre, Brown and other fringe players as if they get booked (or worse) it won't alter the shape of the 'first 11' for the next round...

I dont think he will start a team that has no experience, but I do think he will have an eye on the next round...

My prediction is: Utd to win - 4-1 (ish...)

I think Lille will play defensive and try to catch us on the break - but we are far better than them & should punish them accordingly...

AND THE WORST THING - I CAN'T WATCH IT AS I'M WORKING - SO ITS THE EARPIECE RADIO FOR ME! BASTARD!!!!!!!!

[gavinm2]

Posted mine before reading 'Missuniteds' post...

Re: UNITED Vs Lille (1-0) (CL - 07/03/07 - 19:45)

Duh!

[danishred]

I think loud support from the OT faithful will be an important factor today...

[missunited]

Can't wait for the match now, hopefully it'll be a good one.

[A-t-S]

just wanted to point out something, Scholesy's on a yellow, so if he gets another one he'll miss the next game .. If i were him i'd be really careful .. and then whoever we get in the Q-F 1st Leg i'd get a yellow against them and hope we beat them comfortably, cuz i'd hate another 99'.

[missunited]

atsis said:

just wanted to point out something, Scholesy's on a yellow, so if he gets another one he'll miss the next game .. If i were him i'd be really careful .. and then whoever we get in the Q-F 1st Leg i'd get a yellow against them and hope we beat them comfortably, cuz i'd hate another 99'.

Has Scholes been cleared as fit though? He might not be playing anyways..

[A-t-S]

missunited said:

atsis said:

just wanted to point out something, Scholesy's on a yellow, so if he gets another one he'll miss the next game .. If i were him i'd be really careful .. and then whoever we get in the Q-F 1st Leg i'd get a yellow against them and hope we beat them comfortably, cuz i'd hate another 99'.

Has Scholes been cleared as fit though? He might not be playing anyways..

I'd hate another 99' situation for Scholes : just to clear that up !!!
I think he will play , i know he's a doubt, but i don't think Fergie's gonna rest him knowing he's got that 3 match suspension coming up..