Ferguson calls for United front

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants his team to unite under pressure for their Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

United will host their rivals in the second-leg on Tuesday with a 1-0 lead thanks to a sole Wayne Rooney goal last week.

Rooney copped a two-match English ban following his goal celebration against West Ham United in the English Premier League on April 2, meaning he will miss the weekend’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City.

Ferguson said he wants his players to stand up as the season edges towards its finale.

“I want us to make it clear that we can rise above recent problems and that we are a club who can overcome all attempts to knock us off our perch,” Ferguson said.

“This is the fighting spirit that makes Manchester United such a great club.”

The boss is pleased Rooney will be available for the Old Trafford clash after missing the win over Fulham on Saturday.

“This will spur on Wayne,” Ferguson said.

“There’s the bonus for us of knowing he will be fit and fresh for Tuesday’s match.”

But Ferguson is likely to be without the services of Brazilian full-back Rafael due to injury.

The 20-year-old suffered the setback during the first-leg at Stamford Bridge and took no part in Saturday’s victory over Fulham.

The Brazilian has bruising and not ligament damage but he was left to do running and no ball work during training on Monday.

“Rafael did a bit of jogging this morning,” Ferguson said.

“Hopefully he will be able to be ready for tomorrow but I am not sure about it.”

“There is a little doubt and it is not something I want to be risking in a major game. He really has to do something special tomorrow morning to change my mind about it.”

Both Wes Brown and John O’Shea can fill the void if Rafael cannot prove his fitness.

Only midfielder Darren Fletcher – who is suffering from a virus – was not on the training track, with both Rio Ferdinand, who was carrying a calf injury and Rooney taking part.

If United progress, they are likely to face Bundesliga side Schalke, who lead Inter Milan 5-2 after the first-leg, in the semi-finals.