Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United not to underestimate Aalborg as the Champions League holders bid to kick-start their European campaign on Tuesday.
Ferguson’s side were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Villarreal in their opening Group E match, but they are heavy favourites to take all three points in Denmark.
It would be a massive shock if United, who boast some of the world’s best players in their squad, even drew against an Aalborg team who would struggle to raise a flicker of recognition outside their home town.
But the Danes, coached by former Arsenal and Middlesbrough boss Bruce Rioch, managed to frustrate Celtic in their first group match and Ferguson is determined to make sure his players don’t take a victory for granted.
”Aalborg were lucky to get a draw at Celtic but they will be at home against us and my old mate Bruce Rioch will have them fired up,” Ferguson said.
”They are playing Manchester United, they will have a sell-out crowd and the whole town will be up for it. Danish clubs are always battlers.”
That opening draw at Old Trafford has left United with little margin for error.
Ferguson knows the Premier League champions, who still have to travel to Celtic and Villarreal, will face an uphill struggle to reach the last 16 if they fail to win in Denmark.
”Having dropped two points in our first game it is important we get it right against Aalborg,” Ferguson said. ”Going to Villarreal for a win will be very difficult and the last thing we need is to be going to Parkhead needing three points to go through.”
While Ferguson is preaching caution, in private he must expect a convincing win against the weakest side in Group E.
United found it hard to break down Bolton on Saturday but eventually claimed a 2-0 victory, and Ferguson could take heart from the return to goal-scoring form of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov’s most influential performance since his £30-million move from Tottenham.
Berbatov has yet to score in three matches for United but Ferguson has been impressed with his play outside the penalty area and expects fireworks from the Bulgarian striker soon.
”You don’t need to pass to him in space all the time. You can pass to him when he’s marked — he’s brilliant at that and he produced some great moments against Bolton,” Ferguson said. ”His touch was fantastic at times.”
Berbatov’s passive demeanour on the pitch often led to accusations that he doesn’t care enough at Tottenham, but he is determined to make a big impact at United and he believes the goals will flow soon.
”I really wanted to score a goal [against Bolton], but the three points are the most important thing and we were the better team,” Berbatov said.
”We scored two goals but missed four or five chances. I’m happy with how I’m playing, particularly after the Bolton game.
”The game was good for me. I didn’t take my chances so hopefully in the future I will score.
”I think it was a big improvement from myself and from the team. I’m working really hard to help the team and so I can develop a better understanding with everyone. I’m sure that will happen.” — Sapa-AFP