Ferguson confident ahead of Chelsea clash
Wednesday, 22 November 2006 11:18Alex Ferguson is convinced Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Celtic can inspire them to victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
After taking maximum points from their opening three games, United's European hopes now rest on a last-day encounter with Benfica for the second season on the trot.
Twelve months ago, the task of beating the Portuguese giants at the Stadium of Light proved too much for Ferguson's men, who crashed out of Europe before Christmas for the first time in a decade.
A draw will suffice at Old Trafford this time, although it is hardly a situation Ferguson and his team could have imagined when they made their flying start.
However, Ferguson believes his players can lift themselves this weekend, when victory over Jose Mourinho's men will see United open a six-point lead at the Premiership summit.
'Obviously we are disappointed but the good thing is we have big matches before the Benfica game to focus on,' he said, after last night's 1-0 defeat.
'We can put Europe on the backburner and concentrate on Sunday's match, which is massive for us. I am sure it is a game the players will relish given this result.'
