Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United must not live in fear of former star Cristiano Ronaldo when he returns to Old Trafford for the Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.
The United boss is well aware of the danger his former player poses after scoring Real Madrid’s goal in the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu that leaves the last 16 tie well balanced ahead of tonight’s second leg.
Asked if he was concerned about Ronaldo, Ferguson said: “My biggest concern is that he turns up.
“He added: “It is not something we should fear. If we worry about the danger Cristiano can give us we will forget some of the things we can do ourselves.”
“(Cristiano) Ronaldo is a supreme athlete. He never misses a game, has fantastic physique, two great feet, pace, he is good in the air,” Ferguson said.
Real Madrid come into Tuesday’s game following successive wins over fierce rivals Barcelona – a 3-1 win in the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie and a 2-1 victory in La Liga.
“Real have had two fantastic performances against Barcelona,” added Ferguson, whose own side are 18 games unbeaten after Saturday’s 4-0 win over Norwich. “I was there for the first one when they were superb. They have found form at the right time for a game of this nature.
“Our form has been consistent for quite a while, which we need for tomorrow night’s game also.”
Ferguson is relishing the visit of the Spanish champions and is confident that the fixture will live up to the pre-match hype.
“I think there will be goals,” said the United manager. “I think both teams will score, but we have to think we can score more than them.
“There has been a massive build-up. You can see from the number of photographers at the training ground today – that is an indication of how important a game it is for both clubs.
“It’s an occasion you always want to have and that’s the beauty of the Champions League, you have the opportunity each year to play against one of the big teams from Europe. It is one of the biggest.
“I think both teams are in form. Real had two fantastic performances against Barcelona and found form at the right time for a game of this nature. Our form been consistent for quite a while which we need on Tuesday.”
