CSKA Moscow and United – Equally Ambitious about Victory

CSKA manager Juande Ramos claims that his team holds no fear for Manchester United while the Red devils are confident about winning this fixture.

Sir Alex Ferguson insists that United will strike in full form and he is demanding all three points from the Luzhniki stadium in their fixture against the CSKA Moscow.

When asked if his troops would be distracted by the looming trip to Anfield, Ferguson said, “There’s no danger of that. The players know how important European football is to this club, and to themselves.

They’ve reached two European finals in a row and who wouldn’t want to play in a European final in Madrid? It’s simple.

Nine points is an attractive number and that would almost get us into the next round with three games to spare. Winning is vital to me.”

On the other hand, CSKA Moscow manager Juande Ramos has claimed that he holds no fear for Manchester United’s fearsome reputation, insisting that his side will shoot for a win in tonight’s Champions League group stage clash.

“CSKA dreams about winning this game and we will see what happens during the 90 minutes,” said Ramos. “I never plan to draw a game.

Nobody can doubt that United are the clear favourites to finish first in the group but they are not winning in style in the group so far.”

CSKA defender Sergei Ignashevich echoed the sentiments of his manager, and added that United’s unfamiliarity with playing on a synthetic pitch may work in the Russian side’s favour.

“We’re in a fighting mood because maximum points at home would pretty much guarantee progress for the group,” he said.

Manchester United stands top of the Premier League table having won almost every game both domestically and in the Champions League, except their early season loss to Burnley and a home draw with Sunderland.

Domestically it has not been a great season for the Russian team. With five games left in the Russian Premier League, CSKA currently sit fourth and face a battle to stone Zenit St Petersburg to third – a disappointing return from last season’s runners-up.

Both teams have equal ambition to put up a tough stride; however United appear to have more chances of victory.