Fergie rules out Roma repeat

Sir Alex Ferguson will not be dredging up the memory of Manchester United’s seven–goal destruction of Roma three years ago to inspire his team to victory against Bayern Munich tonight.

That astounding 7–1 success remains the only time United have successfully overturned a first–leg deficit since the Champions League was launched in 1992.

The first–leg scoreline then was 2–1 too, so there are obvious parallels for Ferguson to draw.

But the performance on that never–to–be–forgotten evening was so staggering, the United boss cannot see any point in using it as a motivational tool.

“They were probably equal to what Bayern are now in terms of ability and it was one of those once–in–a–lifetime European performances,” he said.

The United teamsheet will be eagerly awaited an hour before kick–off given the slightly mixed message on Rooney that Ferguson delivered in his pre–match press conference.

The United boss first claimed the 34–goal striker would be missing for between two and four weeks with his ankle injury from the first Bayern match. But soon afterwards he tempered his opinion, saying he “didn’t think” Rooney would be on the bench — before adding he expected the 24–year–old to try and change his mind.

Any chance, however slight, of Rooney being involved, will be seized upon by supporters desperate for some good news at the end of a dismal week.