It was at this same stage – the quarter-finals – that the Reds fell in 2010/11… and from such a commanding position. Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, United went 3-0 up (4-2 on aggregate) inside 41 minutes. But the Reds then conceded two goals, had a man sent off and went out of the competition on the away goals rule.
“It was a disappointing night,” Sir Alex reflected. “It looked like it would be a slaughter job. We were 3-0 up and could have had four or five. Then they got a goal right on half-time.
“The mood of each dressing room was different because of that. They knew one goal would put them through.
“Then we had young Rafael sent off, which was a very harsh decision, and the game swung their way.”
United enter tonight’s second leg in better shape than last year’s, but the boss is still keen to ensure his side don’t slip again.
“Concentration is vital and goals change games… we’re well aware of that. We just hope the goals come from us on Tuesday.”
Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game in last week’s first leg and is tipped by many to start again on Tuesday, despite Dimitar Berbatov’s goal against Fulham – his 22nd of the season – on Saturday.
Rooney didn’t play against the Cottagers as he was serving the first of a two-game domestic ban.
“Wayne will be fresher, that’s for sure,” the Reds boss said. “Missing the game on Saturday has given him six days of good preparation for [the Chelsea game].
"Winning the European Cup seems to be an obsession for Chelsea, but we'll be desperate to win on Tuesday too."
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