Park targets end product

MANCHESTER United midfielder Ji–sung Park insists possession counts for nothing in the modern game unless it can be converted into shots on goal.

United secured a precious 1-0 away win at Stamford Bridge last week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter–final with Chelsea despite only having 46-per-cent of the ball.

It follows a trend started by Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan last term, who were content to let Barcelona pass the ball around during their semi–final but denied them any space to attack.

At Old Trafford, United would normally be expected to take the match to their visitors. But Park has warned that might not be the case.

“Possession is not important,” said the former South Korea star.

“What is important is how many chances you create, or how many shots on target you have.”

United will go into the second leg in good heart, having maintained their seven–point advantage over nearest Premier League challengers Arsenal over the weekend.

Park was rested for the 2–0 win over Fulham, which gave the clearest hint yet that he will return tomorrow. The energetic 30–year–old tends to reserve his most effective performances for the biggest matches.

He was one of United’s standout performers last week even though it was only his second game back after two months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar are certain starters too as United look to seal a last–four meeting, almost certainly with German challengers Schalke, in a fortnight.