My 'RED VIEW'

 

Antonio Valencia.

"Antonio Valencia has revealed his dream is to score a key goal in an important game for United but admits he is happier supplying the bullets for his team-mates. The quiet Ecuadorian has made a remarkable return from the broken ankle sustained against Rangers last September and feels almost back to 100 percent fitness.

 Having set up plenty of goals last term, he derives just as much pleasure from assists as hitting the back of the net himself - as he did in the recent win against Fulham.

Antonio told United Review "I'd love to score an important goal for United, in a final or another game that really matters, and I suppose I'd like to score a few more in general, but I actually prefer laying goals on for my team-mates. That's my main job and I enjoy it."

Antonio also revealed that he still has painful memories of the Toffees' late comeback on Merseyside earlier in the campaign. "We're wary of Everton because they are finishing the season strongly and we remember what happened at Goodison Park earlier in the season, when they scored two late goals," he admitted. "We won't be taking them lightly, but it's a game we need to win and, in order to do that, we must continue to do the things we've been doing well in recent weeks."

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

VERSUS

 

Luckily, Sir Alex has "no fresh injury concerns and Berba could return after "missing the trip to St. James' Park".

Everton are without a key number of players due to injuries and they are: "midfield trio Tim Cahill (ankle), Mikel Arteta (hamstring) and Marouane Fellaini (ankle). Ex-Reds striker Louis Saha (ankle) and Jose Baxter (hamstring) are also unavailable".

United's last meeting with Everton after having "overthrown a one-goal deficit to lead 3-1, United were cruising to a comfortable three points at Goodison Park. In injury time, however, the game was completely transformed. First Tim Cahill rose to head home before Mikel Arteta smashed in an equaliser two minutes later to hand the home side a 3-3 draw and a share of the spoils".

 "Sir Alex Ferguson is on the verge of welcoming back one of his "big game" players as he prepares to face an Everton side missing key men of their own"


Darren Fletcher

"Midfield powerhouse Darren Fletcher has missed the recent action due to a virus but he could return in 10 days' time as a gripping season enters its final, crucial phase.
"Darren Fletcher's back training now. He's had a good week. He may be available in 10 days' time," said Sir Alex.
"He'll be a very, very important player to come back. Darren's excelled in big games and important games over the years because he's got the knowledge and the discipline to carry out whatever job you want him to do. That's the value he brings to the team. When he does come back, he'll go straight into the team."
Although the Scotland captain is out of Saturday's game, the manager is aware that the Merseysiders have been coping well with several absentees of their own of late".

Lou Macari
                               
 CUTE!
                               

"TREBLE WAS ALWAYS TOO MUCH
Former Reds favourite Lou Macari acknowledges how difficult it is to win trophies.
Only 10 days ago, people were talking about a Treble but I'd never seen a Treble on the cards because of what we had to do.
We had to beat City and then win the final, we've got to beat Schalke over two legs and then whoever in the final of that and win the Premier League obviously.
I knew it was achievable but I didn't think it was going to be easy and, of course, it's gone now. Winning something, anything, is great in a football season as it's not that easy.
I know the manager would love to go to Wembley and win the Champions League and that would be a massive achievement, especially as it's going to be Real Madrid or Barcelona in the final.
Either of those would bring back memories of United's last European Cup final at Wembley, that was a great evening for the club, and this would be equally as good. But I think it's the hardest competition we're left in. We're in the driving seat in the league, it's a great position and we can only throw it away. The Champions League is different - there's a lot of hard work to be done there. It's achievable but the opposition is fierce.
I thought when the draw was first made, like most people, that we'd be certain to face Inter Milan if we got past Chelsea. So Schalke are a bit of an unknown team but no-one can underestimate them with the two results they got against Inter.
I saw Raul in the team and thought, to be honest with you, he was finishing at Real a couple of years ago and playing out time. But he seems to have a new lease of life, he's looking younger as time goes on and is a bit like Ryan Giggs in that respect.
I thought Schalke were tailor-made for us and the best opponents we can get but I'm starting to wonder a little bit what lies in store for us. They're a bit of an unknown quantity in terms of what they've got to offer but, when you look at the evidence of the San Siro, five goals away from home is some achievement.
If we'd scored that many in any Champions League campaign, people would be going overboard with the performance. I think now, without knowing a great deal about them, that they look dangerous opponents.".

All the best to... MY MANCHESTER UNITED ;)