United Latest

Sir Alex Ferguson has said it would be ‘foolish’ not to respect United’s Champions League opponents, as The Reds take-on Valencia. Los Che are in top form, heading the La Liga table, and Fergie knows that United will have to go all-out to pick-up all three points…

Wayne Rooney will miss tomorrow night’s clash at the Mestalla, and will be out for up to another 4 games afterwards. Veteran trio Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are all out – with the latter sidelined for 10 days.

However, there is some good news – with Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick both expected to feature. Asked about Rio’s situation, the boss replied: “It’s a decision I’ll take tomorrow. He’s had plenty of training and a couple of Reserves games – he also played against Rangers and Scunthorpe – but he’s been out for five months.”

Valencia are currently one point clear at the top of La Liga, ahead of Villarreal, Barcelona and Real Madrid. “Valencia’s home record over the years has been very good. It would be foolish not to respect that. Spain has produced cup-winning teams for years and you have to recognise that. The standard of Spanish football has always been good, so yes, it’s a difficult place to come and win.”

“I saw a very good team when I came here last week,” said Sir Alex, elaborating on his visit to Spain last Wednesday. “We expect a very difficult game – they’re top of the league and playing very well.”

“The 0-0 draw against Rangers was a disappointing result but we have five games left to try and qualify. We have a tough game tomorrow, but that’s the great thing about the European Cup – you face the best teams in countries like Spain, Italy and Germany. That’s what makes it a fantastic tournament.”