Fergie urges Manchester United to go 'full throttle' against Porto

Published on Tuesday 7 April 2009 09:40

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has urged Manchester United to go "full throttle" in their attempt to overcome FC Porto at Old Trafford tonight.

Although the Portuguese outfit overcame United at the first knock-out stage in 2004, few are expecting a repeat, with Ferguson's men odds-on favourites to reach their third successive semi-final.

But the Red Devils chief is taking nothing for granted. And even though his side are back in action barely 48 hours after the thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa, he is demanding that they hold nothing back.

"It would be stupid to think this is going to be easy," said Ferguson. "When teams are used to winning their domestic title, as Porto are in Portugal, you always feel they will play with great confidence. Complacency does not come into it. We will be going at full throttle in order to get the result we want."

United will be bolstered by the return of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes from suspension, although not Rio Ferdinand, who is still troubled by a groin injury.