29 Apr 2009

Man Utd prepared to curb attacking instincts - Ferguson

6:23 am on 29 April 2009

Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson says he's prepared to adopt an unusually cautious approach in tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.

Both Premier League sides are capable of playing sublime attacking football and although Ferguson hopes the match at Old Trafford is a classic, he would prefer a 1-0 victory.

He says they need to win without conceding a goal and he'd be delighted to go into the secoind leg in London up 1-0.

United laboured to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final against Porto at Old Trafford before producing a disciplined defensive display to secure a 1-0 win in Portugal and continue their defence of the trophy.

Ferguson says the standard of defending will be the key and he'ssure the the semi-final won't be settled tomorrow.

Experienced full back Gary Neville is United's only real injury concern with the rest of the squad training fully.