Don't fear United - Distin - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Don't fear United - Distin

Sylvain Distin has told his Portsmouth team-mates they have nothing to fear from Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final trip to Manchester United.

Manager Harry Redknapp has described the tie against Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-chasers as the draw from hell, but defender Distin insists the south-coast side are capable of causing an upset and booking their first semi-final since a 1992 defeat to Liverpool.

Former Manchester City star said: "Every season you see results that people call miracles. Teams go to Old Trafford thinking 'We are going to win' and they fight from the first to the last second. That is what we have to do."

He added: "If we are ready physically and mentally and we keep our shape, we have enough quality to battle against United.

"I don't think they are a team we cannot beat."

Pompey have not beaten United at Old Trafford in Redknapp's two spells in charge at Fratton Park and were two goals down in 13 minutes in January's Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 2-0 Premier League defeat.

However, Frenchman Distin said Pompey will not be playing for a replay.

"I am not going there to avoid defeat. I am going there to win," the centre-back added. "If you go there to avoid defeat, mentally, you are not ready and there is no point in going there.

"It is the FA Cup and is a completely different game so anything can happen. It is 11 against 11."

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