As Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds go into the second phase of the Champions League this week, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his belief that any one of the Premiership sides can go on to win the competition, emulating United’s exciting triumph of two years ago. He declared that he expects his team to progress to the quarter-finals and sees no reason why Leeds and Arsenal should not do the same, with the prospect of an all English final a real possibility.
This is the first time England has had three representatives in the second phase of the Champions League. Arsenal qualified easily this year after their two failed previous attempts and Leeds secured qualification against all the odds, with an injury ravaged squad and, arguably, the most difficult group in the first round. The second phase is nothing new to Manchester United, who have reached the quarter-finals in each of the last four years, but the Reds’ manager realises his team have not really performed to their full capability in Europe so far this season, something that must change if they are to reach the last eight for a fifth time in a row.
“None of the English clubs going into the second phase of the Champions League has anything to fear from the other teams left,” Sir Alex said.
“I believe Arsenal will make it to the quarter-finals and Leeds, because of how difficult that section is, can make it too.
“Being drawn in that section gives them their biggest chance because it will be so cut-throat and I think Leeds could become the surprise team," he explained.
“Arsenal have already shown they have the quality, while we at United know we have to improve. Now we are into the real thing, that is what I am convinced we will do.”
United begin their second phase campaign against Panathanaikos at Old Trafford on Tuesday night while Leeds and Arsenal play on Wednesday, against Real Madrid and Spartak Moscow respectively, with Ferguson expecting all three English sides to draw on their varying levels of European experience.
“It is fair to say that more clubs in the Champions League are becoming battle-hardened,” he said.
“But I still believe that quality comes out in the end and all three English clubs have that.
“The longer, or more often, a team plays in the Champions League, the better they get and the more accustomed they become to the variety of tactics and strengths of European opponents.”
United will also have to overcome Spanish side Valencia, last season’s beaten finalists, and Austria’s Sturm Graz, who qualified from Rangers’ group in the first phase, if they are to go through once again.
Leeds meanwhile face another tough test with Lazio and Anderlecht accompanying them and defending champions Real Madrid in Group D with Arsenal facing Bayern Munich and Olympic Lyonnais in addition to Wednesday night’s opponents Spartak Moscow.
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