Moscow a distant memory for Fergie

SIR Alex Ferguson is not convinced memories of Moscow 2008 will play any part in tonight’s eagerly–anticipated Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Earlier this week, Petr Cech claimed the Blues were nursing a desire for revenge after their agonising penalty shoot–out defeat at the Luzhniki Stadium three years ago.

But Ferguson believes hunger of the present is what will really drive both teams on. “I don’t believe players think about revenge,” he said. “Something that happened three years ago goes out of your mind quite quickly.

For the first time in weeks, Ferguson is having to give some thought to the defensive make–up of his team.

Jonny Evans’ availability after a domestic suspension offers an instant enhancing of his squad strength, but it is the knowledge that Rafael and Rio Ferdinand made the trip south that is really giving the United boss cause for thought.

Both would be part of United’s regular back four, although for Ferdinand in particular, the dilemma over whether to pick him is great thanks to a combination of the 32–year–old’s own rustiness after two months on the sidelines with a calf strain and Chris Smalling’s outstanding form alongside Nemanja Vidic.



SIR Alex Ferguson has no retirement plans in place just yet – but has admitted he would stand aside if the United hierarchy felt the manager's job was too much for him.
Ferguson celebrates his 70th birthday later this year, by which time he will have spent 25 years in the Old Trafford hotseat.

After Saturday's results went in United's favour, it also seems likely the Scot will soon become a Premier League champion for the 12th time – a number that will take the Red Devils to a record 19th title overall.

Ferguson has admitted he would not resist if the Old Trafford powerbrokers felt he had gone on too long.

The only people with enough influence at the club to make such a seismic decision are the owners, the Glazer family, or chief executive David Gill.

But Ferguson shows no signs of slowing down — meaning former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will have to wait if he is to fulfil his long–held desire to succeed the Scot in the Old Trafford hotseat.

Two other United veterans are apparently seeing no end to their Old Trafford careers either.

Ryan Giggs has already agreed a new one–year contract for next season, with his manager claiming the 37–year–old can go on longer even than that, while his efforts to persuade Scholes to stay on are ongoing.

“The two of them are among the 10 best players in the history of Manchester United," says the manager