European champions against all the odds two years ago, Chelsea showed Manchester United the way for English clubs last night when they kept huffing and puffing and eventually blew their way into the Champions League last four.
A keen observer would have been United defender Patrice Evra, with the three-times European champions preparing to face Champions League holders Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final in Germany this evening.
The Reds travel to the Allianz Arena needing to score, with the tie delicately poised following last week’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and Evra is confident United can save their season on another famous European night.
“It is unusual for us to say we can save our season in one game,” he said. “Now we must make sure the fans will be proud for the second leg against Bayern.
“It was funny because all season reminded me of the Chelsea season they won the Champions League when they were not playing well in the league.
“I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive, so why not?”
United have struggled under new manager David Moyes so far this season, while Chelsea showed their European pedigree under Jose Mourinho by securing a semi-final berth with a last-gasp Demba Ba strike.
Evra confessed that United have exhibited their best form in Europe and that is what they are focusing on.
“We are confident and it looks like we are all up for it more than the league and in the cup,” he said.
“I know it is not professional to say that but it is the truth.
“We look more on it, we look more like we have the Man United spirit when we play in the Champions League.”
Despite suffering from a dearth of confidence when playing at home, the Reds take the best away form in the Premier League to Bavaria – an unusual situation that could play in their favour.
“I think everyone has noticed that we play much better away,” said Evra.
“It is frustrating because maybe at Old Trafford it is different, it is a different pressure.
“We have good away form so let’s try against Bayern away and make sure we give everything.”
Bayern have conceded more goals in their past four games than in the previous 16 having captured the Bundesliga title two weeks ago.
United have been handed a further boost as Moyes confirmed that talisman Wayne Rooney took part in training yesterday.
The England international is willing to have a painkilling injection play through a toe injury that was thought to have ruled him out of the Bayern game – a decision that Moyes believes illustrates Rooney’s commitment.
“Wayne was able to train and he is massively keen to play,” said Moyes.
“He’s happy to take an injection to play in the game, which shows you his feeling about the game and about the club.”
Main image courtesy of are wire via YouTube, with thanks.
