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Manchester United attackers Nani and Ji-Sung Park eager for victory ahead of Champions League clash against Benfica
The experienced Red Devils duo are anticipating a tough match against the Portuguese giants, but are looking to get a positive result from the match to qualify from Group C
22 Nov 2011 16:50:00
By Shane Farrington
Getty Images
Manchester United winger Nani believes the midfield battle will be key in their Champions League clash with Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The Red Devils winger feels that his side can secure victory if dominate the centre of the park, and is also relishing facing Benfica, who he played against three times during his spell with Sporting Lisbon.
“I think their strongest point is their midfield. If we are able to control the midfield, then I am sure we have a good chance to have a positive result,” Nani told reporters.
“I’m sure Benfica will play some good football but with a lot of care as well because they know they are playing away at our ground. We will do our best to get the positive result that we aim for.
“When I played against Benfica for Sporting Lisbon, the games were like United against Manchester City. They were always tough games.
“My record is okay - I lost one game, won one game, drew another. Of course I used to enjoy it when we beat Benfica. I hope I can win again this time.”
Fellow Red Devil Ji-Sung Park is expecting the Portuguese outfit to put up a stern test, but is hopeful that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have what it takes to secure their passage through to the knockout stages.
"I look forward to it because, in the early part of the Champions League, we couldn’t get a win in the first couple of games," said Park. "But we got into the winning mood against Otelul Galati and now we have to keep that going.
"Benfica are a good team – they play well as a team, they do not rely on individuals, so we have to focus on all of their players.
“We don’t know their players very well because we only meet them in the Champions League but we know how they play because we’ve played them in Portugal already.
“We couldn’t get a win over there but we are at home at Old Trafford so we hope to perform well, get a good result and go through in the Champions League."
The South Korean is also eager to stay injury-free after managing to work his way back in United’s starting line-up.
"I’m satisfied, but I always try to improve myself, to be better than yesterday," he added. "I just keep trying to improve myself and help the team to win the game.
“I feel pretty good and we still have a long season ahead so hopefully I will have no injuries and can keep helping the team win the games."
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The Red Devils winger feels that his side can secure victory if dominate the centre of the park, and is also relishing facing Benfica, who he played against three times during his spell with Sporting Lisbon.
“I think their strongest point is their midfield. If we are able to control the midfield, then I am sure we have a good chance to have a positive result,” Nani told reporters.
“I’m sure Benfica will play some good football but with a lot of care as well because they know they are playing away at our ground. We will do our best to get the positive result that we aim for.
“When I played against Benfica for Sporting Lisbon, the games were like United against Manchester City. They were always tough games.
“My record is okay - I lost one game, won one game, drew another. Of course I used to enjoy it when we beat Benfica. I hope I can win again this time.”
Fellow Red Devil Ji-Sung Park is expecting the Portuguese outfit to put up a stern test, but is hopeful that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have what it takes to secure their passage through to the knockout stages.
"I look forward to it because, in the early part of the Champions League, we couldn’t get a win in the first couple of games," said Park. "But we got into the winning mood against Otelul Galati and now we have to keep that going.
"Benfica are a good team – they play well as a team, they do not rely on individuals, so we have to focus on all of their players.
“We don’t know their players very well because we only meet them in the Champions League but we know how they play because we’ve played them in Portugal already.
“We couldn’t get a win over there but we are at home at Old Trafford so we hope to perform well, get a good result and go through in the Champions League."
The South Korean is also eager to stay injury-free after managing to work his way back in United’s starting line-up.
"I’m satisfied, but I always try to improve myself, to be better than yesterday," he added. "I just keep trying to improve myself and help the team to win the game.
“I feel pretty good and we still have a long season ahead so hopefully I will have no injuries and can keep helping the team win the games."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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