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Chelsea don't worry Manchester United, claims Gary Neville
Andrew Hodgson04.11.09
Gary Neville insists Manchester United's defence will be ready for Didier Drogba on Sunday despite conceding three goals in a 3-3 draw against CSKA Moscow last night.
United were forced to come from 3-1 down with five minutes to go against the Russian side to earn a point and a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
But celebrations at Old Trafford were tempered by the sight of United's makeshift defence, missing injured Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, being given the run-around.
"It will be a completely different game on Sunday, a lot tighter," Neville said. "You lose a game against Liverpool and there's criticism. But the fact is we've beaten Arsenal at home, we've beaten City at home."
United, with Wes Brown and Jonny Evans in the middle of their defence, looked shaky as 19-year-old Alan Dzagoev lashed home an opener unchallenged Michael Owen quickly equalised but Milos Krasic put Moscow 2-1 ahead before the break and unmarked Vasili Berezutski headed home shortly after half-time.
It look a late rally from United, including a headed Paul Scholes goal and Antonio Valencia's deflected effort, to save the day.
"We're not worried," said Neville. "Of course we have to stop Drogba as well as Anelka, Lampard, Ballack and Deco. But we know their strengths. You have to deal with them. We will."
Reader views (2)
Desmond
How often have we heard that old story,we have heard it for the last three years running, and what happened? Three premierships on the trot, thats what happened, including the Champions league and Carling cup. Really weird though isn't it, With all the problems you seem to think we have,Wwe are lying just two points behind the leaders in the Premiership race.
- James Hennessy, Manchester England
Up here in the frozen north, Alex Ferguson and Gary Neville talk a good game. If you were to believe them there are no problems at Old Trafford. To start with Neville is past it (currently all mouth and no trousers). Look at United dispassionately. Having sold Ronaldo they have invested nothing. The owners have a msssive debt to service. The defence is shot. Ferdinand is over the hill, lost his pace and has more interests outside football than in it. Vidic is injured and the understudies, not good enough. United do not have a mid field. Giggs and Scholes, good players as they were are also past it at the highest level. The only saving grace (on paper at least) is the attack. There are massive doubts about Berbatov. No matter what they say, Tevez is a huge loss to them, although they will not admit it. It only leaves Rooney to carry the attack as much as Torres does for Liverpool. Michael Own may score the odd goal but everyone knows he is also past his sell by date. Looking at the top six clubs the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the champions will be Chelsea with Arsenal not far behind. The northeners have had their day.
- Dezmond, Manchester
