Nani: Reds have the mental edge

NANI believes Manchester United have the “psychological advantage” going into the crucial Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea after eliminating their opponents from the Champions League.

The Portuguese winger played a part in both legs of the quarter–final tie as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side followed up their 1–0 victory at Stamford Bridge by winning the return leg 2–1.

And United go into Sunday’s home showdown on a high after clinching a place in the final at Wembley, where they will meet Barcelona following their demolition of Schalke.

Nani now wants the team to continue their good work after the 6–1 aggregate victory over the Bundesliga outfit and end Chelsea’s hopes of retaining the title.

United are three points in front with three games remaining and have taken 49 points out of a possible 51 at home this season.

Nani said: “The most important game now is Chelsea, not Barcelona. It will be very difficult. We know if we want to win the game we have to play with confidence.

“We just have to concentrate on our football and winning the game.”

Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are expected to be fit to face Chelsea.

Rooney missed training on Tuesday after reporting for duty with a tight hamstring and did not feature on the bench against Schalke.

United manager Ferguson will ring the changes and is almost certain to revert to his first choice central–defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.