Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that he supports every English club when they play in Europe, even his team's closest domestic rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
United are currently leading their group in the Champions League after winning two out of two so far. Another victory against Olympiakos at Old Trafford tonight would see them virtually assured of a smooth progression to the next stage.
While Liverpool have not started their European campaign well, they should still at least finish second behind Valencia, and Arsenal, like United, are flying high after two convincing victories and should easily qualify from their group.
Ferguson claimed that it is good for every team in the Barclaycard Premiership when their European representatives are doing well.
He said: "We all want to see English teams doing well. We keep talking about trying to elevate our image in the game and people's perception of us and you can only do that by performance. English teams have improved over the last three years and hopefully we can keep on progressing."
The United boss added: "Everyone tries to improve their station in life. Arsenal and Liverpool are big clubs and they have succeeded. We are no different. We want to be better as well. That is the nature of people with ambitions." And anyone who had considered writing Ferguson's team off this season ought to think again according to the determined Scot.
"There is no sign that our dynasty is over," he stressed. "Remember, we did win seven titles in nine years up to last season - as well as a European Cup.
"We are four points adrift of Liverpool and six behind Arsenal, with each of those clubs to play. And we're still at a very early stage of the season. We are top of our group in the Champions League and the squad will improve with the injured players coming back.
"We have 19 players here contracted for another three years and the average age is 27, so they have their best years to come."
|
