There is no FA Cup title or Carling Cup trophy to dream about. Manchester United can solely focus on winning the English Premier League now.
The Red Devils are aiming to evaporate the 3-point gap that puts them behind league leaders Manchester City. However, expect eighth-placed Stoke City to apply pressure on Ferguson’s outfit at Old Trafford tonight.
Stoke City encountered defeat in their latest English Premier League fixture but they should find hope and confidence through a few things ahead of Tuesday night’s battle at Old Trafford. Firstly, the Potters are going into the game fresh from their convincing 2-0 win over Derby in the FA Cup Fourth Round. Manchester United, meanwhile, are carrying the wound of their 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
In addition to that, Stoke City are one of the few teams to have held the Red Devils to a draw earlier in the campaign. When Tony Pulis’ men clashed against Fergie’s side in September, a goal by striker Peter Crouch in front of nearly 28,000 spectators settled the spirit-boosting 1-1 result.
“You know what Tony Pulis' teams are like, they're always the same with 100 per cent commitment. They all get stuck in and you have to cope with that. I quite enjoy that.”
Coach Alex Ferguson couldn’t say it any better while speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference. Everyone is aware of Stoke City’s physical strength. Part of the Potters’ achievements this season includes winning against Liverpool, drawing goalless against Chelsea and of course avoiding defeat against Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium.
Old Trafford is something else but this is where Manchester City, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers forced the Red Devils to drop some points. Will Stoke City do the same?
Stoke City encountered defeat in their latest English Premier League fixture but they should find hope and confidence through a few things ahead of Tuesday night’s battle at Old Trafford. Firstly, the Potters are going into the game fresh from their convincing 2-0 win over Derby in the FA Cup Fourth Round. Manchester United, meanwhile, are carrying the wound of their 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
In addition to that, Stoke City are one of the few teams to have held the Red Devils to a draw earlier in the campaign. When Tony Pulis’ men clashed against Fergie’s side in September, a goal by striker Peter Crouch in front of nearly 28,000 spectators settled the spirit-boosting 1-1 result.
“You know what Tony Pulis' teams are like, they're always the same with 100 per cent commitment. They all get stuck in and you have to cope with that. I quite enjoy that.”
Coach Alex Ferguson couldn’t say it any better while speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference. Everyone is aware of Stoke City’s physical strength. Part of the Potters’ achievements this season includes winning against Liverpool, drawing goalless against Chelsea and of course avoiding defeat against Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium.
Old Trafford is something else but this is where Manchester City, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers forced the Red Devils to drop some points. Will Stoke City do the same?
