United welcomes Porto, eyes big revenge
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AFP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Nisan 07, 2009 00:00
MANCHESTER - Manchester United will be motivated by revenge when Sir Alex Ferguson's side face Porto in tonight’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
After storming back to the top of the Premier League with a dramatic, late 3-2 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, United turns its attention to Europe and the chance to resolve some unfinished business.
Porto dumped United out of the Champions League in 2004 when the Portuguese club, then managed by Jose Mourinho, followed a 2-1 home win with a 1-1 draw in the return.
Mourinho's famous jig of delight down the touchline when Porto scored their decisive late goal at Old Trafford remains one of the Champions League's most enduring images.
Source of angst
It is still a source of angst among United fans, so it was no surprise they took extra pleasure when Ferguson's team knocked out Mourinho's current side Inter Milan in the last 16 this season. Now United can complete the second half of their revenge mission by eliminating Porto.
United defender John O'Shea admits the bitter memories of that 2004 defeat will provide the reigning champion with all the incentive it needs to blow away Porto.
"That was a tough one to take. Paul Scholes had a goal disallowed that was onside and the sight of Mourinho dancing down the touchline was not a happy one for many people," O'Shea said. "It is one of those things that we want to put to bed."
Porto dumped United out of the Champions League in 2004 when the Portuguese club, then managed by Jose Mourinho, followed a 2-1 home win with a 1-1 draw in the return.
Mourinho's famous jig of delight down the touchline when Porto scored their decisive late goal at Old Trafford remains one of the Champions League's most enduring images.
Source of angst
It is still a source of angst among United fans, so it was no surprise they took extra pleasure when Ferguson's team knocked out Mourinho's current side Inter Milan in the last 16 this season. Now United can complete the second half of their revenge mission by eliminating Porto.
United defender John O'Shea admits the bitter memories of that 2004 defeat will provide the reigning champion with all the incentive it needs to blow away Porto.
"That was a tough one to take. Paul Scholes had a goal disallowed that was onside and the sight of Mourinho dancing down the touchline was not a happy one for many people," O'Shea said. "It is one of those things that we want to put to bed."