Sir Alex Ferguson admits that his biggest worry in welcoming Real Madrid to Old Trafford tomorrow night is former Manchester United man Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star is set to feature for Madrid against his former employees on Tuesday evening, in the clubs’ Champions League Last 16 clash.
For Ferguson, who worked with Ronaldo from 2003 to 2009, the 28-year-old’s potential is the one element he sees as unstoppable.
“My biggest concern is if Cristiano turns up,” conceded Ferguson in his pre-match Press conference.
“What do you expect when you play against a team with Ronaldo in it? You expect problems on the night.
“We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won’t be easy as he does it every week.
“The experience young Rafael [da Silva] had in Madrid will probably help him because he has the same task [at right-back].
“I don't think it is one we should fear. If you go in worried about what Cristiano can do then we forget what we can do ourselves.
“I think the key will be how we defend. Madrid are the best in the world on the counter-attack and they gave a splendid example of how to play on the break at the Camp Nou last week. Our task is to stop these attacks.”
Fergie was asked to compare Cristiano with Brazilian forward Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick for Madrid at Old Trafford back in 2003.
“The older one, the fatter one, peaked that time [10 years ago] as a centre forward.
“This Ronaldo is a supreme athlete, an unbelievable athlete, never misses a game, two great feet, pace, good in the air.
“They are two different types but our main worry is not what happened 10 years ago but what will happen tomorrow.”
Ferguson then turned his attention to Tuesday’s game and its importance to the English side.
“Just look at the number of journalists and photographers who were at training this morning to see the importance of the match.
“It’s nice to have the Champions League, to face off against the largest in Europe. It’s the game that everyone wants to play in, the night we always want to experience.
“This game has the potential to define our season. Both teams are in very good shape. Against Barcelona they played very, very well, they are in great form.
“We have had more continuity this season, but this is still a game between two of the greatest clubs in history and it is very balanced.
“I am convinced that both teams will score tomorrow. For me, it would be perfect to win 5-4, so that we progress.
“So the important thing is to score more goals than them, not to concede fewer goals than them.”
Ferguson also commented on team news, ruling out Phil Jones through injury and confirming that Ryan Giggs will get his 1,000th career appearance tomorrow.
“Jones is not fit. He won’t be fit for tomorrow. His performance over there [in Madrid] was absolutely excellent.
“It is a miss but we can deem it as something we can’t manage. We have got options. We hope we get that right.
“Giggs played against Queens Park Rangers and I always think that with Ryan, we like to keep him fresh and tomorrow he will be involved at some point, whether starting or from the bench.
“I haven’t made my mind up and his experience on big occasions will be vital to us.”
