|
|
'Fearsome' Manchester United the team to avoid in the Champions League, Viv Anderson
Ex-Red Devils' full-back on European draw and derby with Liverpool
19 Mar 2010 08:50:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United correspondent
The rest of Europe fear drawing Manchester United out of the pot in today's Champions League cup draw, according to Viv Anderson.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side dismantled AC Milan 7-2 on aggregate in the first knockout round, and come into today's event in confident mood for the rest of the competition. Anderson, 53, spent four years at United and is sure his former club are the ones to avoid.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Anderson was in bullish mood about United's prospects and hoped for a run to another final meeting with Barcelona.
He said: "With the form they are in at the moment, people are fearing Manchester United and nobody wants to get them in the next round. I think Barcelona are in fantastic form and were brilliant on Wednesday night, so they'll be the only team United will be looking to avoid.
"That game would make such a good final and hopefully we'd be able to reverse the roles from last year's final against them.
"Inter Milan played really well against Chelsea and they are another strong team. I believe United are good enough to beat them and most teams. Certainly it's never easy in the knockout stages, but they are firing on all cylinders now.
"Ryan Giggs coming back from injury means they have a full squad for the last few weeks of the season and that is vital."
Anderson is sure the Merseysiders will be hell bent on derailing Manchester United's Premier League title bid by 'spoiling the party' when the sides meet this weekend. The 30-times capped England international described the 'special atmosphere' surrounding the grudge match and was confident about his former club's chances.
"The rivalry between the two clubs has gone back for many, many years, well before my time. They are always good games and the atmosphere is very special on the day," he said.
"I think Liverpool will try and spoil the party as such and they'll be fired up after falling behind in the league. Personal pride also comes in to it, and with United being beaten 4-1 at home last year, Sir Alex Ferguson will be determined that they'll want to come out of this game unscathed and with the three points in the bag.
"United are going really well at the moment. I saw the game against Fulham last week and Wayne Rooney is in unbelievable form.
"With home advantage, I'm sure United will just sneak it 2-1."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
By Matt Monaghan | Manchester United correspondent
The rest of Europe fear drawing Manchester United out of the pot in today's Champions League cup draw, according to Viv Anderson.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Sir Alex Ferguson's side dismantled AC Milan 7-2 on aggregate in the first knockout round, and come into today's event in confident mood for the rest of the competition. Anderson, 53, spent four years at United and is sure his former club are the ones to avoid.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, Anderson was in bullish mood about United's prospects and hoped for a run to another final meeting with Barcelona.
He said: "With the form they are in at the moment, people are fearing Manchester United and nobody wants to get them in the next round. I think Barcelona are in fantastic form and were brilliant on Wednesday night, so they'll be the only team United will be looking to avoid.
"That game would make such a good final and hopefully we'd be able to reverse the roles from last year's final against them.
"Inter Milan played really well against Chelsea and they are another strong team. I believe United are good enough to beat them and most teams. Certainly it's never easy in the knockout stages, but they are firing on all cylinders now.
"Ryan Giggs coming back from injury means they have a full squad for the last few weeks of the season and that is vital."
Unstoppable | Rooney was top class against Milan
Anderson is sure the Merseysiders will be hell bent on derailing Manchester United's Premier League title bid by 'spoiling the party' when the sides meet this weekend. The 30-times capped England international described the 'special atmosphere' surrounding the grudge match and was confident about his former club's chances.
"The rivalry between the two clubs has gone back for many, many years, well before my time. They are always good games and the atmosphere is very special on the day," he said.
"I think Liverpool will try and spoil the party as such and they'll be fired up after falling behind in the league. Personal pride also comes in to it, and with United being beaten 4-1 at home last year, Sir Alex Ferguson will be determined that they'll want to come out of this game unscathed and with the three points in the bag.
"United are going really well at the moment. I saw the game against Fulham last week and Wayne Rooney is in unbelievable form.
"With home advantage, I'm sure United will just sneak it 2-1."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
