Ferguson fuels Real's anger with outburst

'Hooligan Ferguson' was the headline greeting Manchester United and their manager when they arrived here yesterday afternoon. One of the city's sports tabloids had taken great exception to Sir Alex Ferguson's weekend allegation that Real Madrid's status in the game meant they received preferential treatment from the game's governing bodies, and referees.

Ferguson's initial response was surprising. He apologised to the game's European governing body, Uefa, for suggesting the draw was "fixed". More typically he then fired further barbs at Real ahead of tonight's European Cup quarter-final first-leg in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"The last time we played here there were verbal attacks on our players by Real players," he said. "We will not let that happen this time." Of the speculation surrounding David Beckham joining Real, he added: "You have to wonder why it has come out since the draw. There's a bit of mischief going on. Real are not without faults."

United's opponents were less hysterical. "I can't believe he said it – he's a gentleman," said Vicente del Bosque, Real's lugubrious coach. "He's just trying to put pressure on the referee," was the response of Jorge Valdano, Real's chief executive. Anders Frisk, the Swede who will take charge tonight, is not a man to be influenced by either Uefa or Ferguson. He has, contrary to Ferguson's belief, taken charge of bigger games than this, notably last year's semi-final between Real and Barcelona.

The self-assured view of Real officials is reflected in the dressing room. When these clubs met at this stage in 2000 the Spanish were fearful. They won 3-2 at Old Trafford after being held to a goalless draw at home. This time it is Real, not United, who are the holders and the local concern is that they are over-confident with several players suggesting before and after the draw that "we wanted United".

In an attempt to defuse these hostages to fortune Del Bosque said they only wanted United as big opposition brings the best from his players. Even the most cursory viewing of Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano would support the thesis that Real, like United, only produce their best when challenged.

The protagonists are, noted Del Bosque, very alike. "What worries me is how United play as a team and their ability to create chances. In that, they are very similar to us," he said. "Everyone in the Manchester team is a very good player, even the less well-known ones – they still do important jobs. Again that's similar to us."

Real have a full squad to choose from Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makélélé and Ivan Helguera having been rested over the weekend. United, with Phil Neville suspended, are expected to recall Beckham and Nicky Butt to the team which beat Liverpool 4-0, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the other player making way. Juan Sebastian Veron is ruled out after suffering a setback in his recuperation from a knee ligament injury.

Raul yesterday suggested Ryan Giggs represented United's main threat. "If I had to choose one United player it would be Giggs," he said. "He can open up the game because he is very fast and very direct."

Giggs will be facing Michel Salgado but Ferguson might be inclined to have him swap wings on occasion and confront Roberto Carlos, as Beckham has made little headway against the Brazilian for club or country. This is partly because of his lack of pace but also because of his honesty. When Roberto Carlos attacks Beckham tracks back, which means he spends most of the game defending. Not that Roberto Carlos – who was provisionally banned from international football yesterday following his contretemps with a referee during a recent Brazil friendly – takes his dominance for granted. "Just because it has gone well in the past doesn't mean you can say I have him in my pocket," he said. It could be this contest Ferguson was hinting at when he asked his team to play the opponent, not reputations. Painfully aware that a goalless draw may not be enough Ferguson will also ask his players to attack.

While Real can be mercurial the key to the tie perhaps lies in United's approach. As Ferguson added: "The important thing is for us to perform properly. If we do it will be a fantastic game." If they do not only Real will enjoy it.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1; probable): Casillas; Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Flavio, Makélélé; Figo, Raul, Zidane; Ronaldo.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1; probable): Barthez; *G Neville, Brown, *Ferdinand, Silvestre; Beckham, Keane, Butt, Giggs; *Scholes; Van Nistelrooy.

Referee: A Frisk (Sweden).

*Suspended from second leg if booked.