Stand up and be counted-Sir Alex ferguson

14/04/2009 19:15, Report by Nick Coppack in Porto


Now is the time to prove why we’re world champions.

That will be the message from Sir Alex in the dressing room on Wednesday night as United prepare to face FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao.

“It’s not a night for looking to individuals,” the Reds’ boss told journalists on Tuesday evening. “All our players have to be up for it. Everyone has to step up to the plate.

“Obviously we have a big job to do, but I trust these players. Their performances over the last couple of years – look at the games in Rome, Milan and Barcelona – justify that trust.”

The task certainly isn’t easy. Last Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford means only a win or a high-scoring draw (2-2 will take the game to penalties, anything more will hand United the tie) will propel the Reds to the semi-final stage. What’s more, no English team has ever beaten FC Porto on Portuguese soil.

But Sir Alex is confident his side can make history on Wednesday night.

“We’re a much fresher team [than we were in the first leg],” he said. “We’ve had four days’ rest now, as opposed to two days on that occasion.

“The Champions League was a good tournament for us last season and so far this season we’re undefeated in it.

“The one area in which we were disappointed with last week was losing a last-minute goal. That has given Porto a definite advantage in this tie.

“But we’re capable of turning it around. It’s not as if we’re coming here without a big chance. You have to remember the places we’ve been in the past and the performance levels weknow we’re capable of.”

The United boss reminded journalists of the spirit his side showed in 1999 when, after going 2-0 down after 11 minutes against Juventus in the second leg, the Reds scored three times to beat the Italians and reach the Champions League final.

“There are plenty of performances from the past that we will want to replicate here in Porto,” he said. “We’ve not exactly been short of them over the years.

“Our record in this competition over the last two years has been outstanding. If the players play to the required standard of Manchester United then that’s all I can ask.”