Mourinho eyes United scalp

Inter boss ready to end Red Devils' reign as European champions

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 12th January 2009

Mourinho eyes United scalp

Mourinho: Ready for battle

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Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is confident of ending Manchester United's bid for UEFA Champions League glory.

The Red Devils are the reigning kings of Europe, having taken the crown last season.

The defence of that title pits them against Inter in the last 16 this term, with Mourinho adding an intriguing twist to the plot.

The former Chelsea coach has been involved in a long-running battle for supremacy with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ever since his days in charge of Porto.

The 45-year-old admits he is looking forward to going head-to-head with his old foe once again, but believes his Italian outfit will prove too strong for their English rivals.

"I always had big, big, big respect (for United). That's why I remember my time with Porto here as one of the most important for me, because we beat such an amazing club - and that's why I'm so excited to play with Inter Milan against Man Utd," Mourinho told MUTV after watching United beat Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Crazy

"When I said 'I want Man Utd', some people maybe thought 'this guy is crazy' because he wants the top team - but I want it because they are the top, because it's difficult and because it's special and for my team and my players, it's a different thing.

"I won't need to motivate people because they are already motivated. The best (competitions) match players against the best - and the best at the moment is here.

"We can win it. We know Man Utd is a special team with special players. You look at how solid they are in defence and how dangerous they are in attack. You look to the dug-out and you see the talent is there; I look behind me, and even Nani is behind me.

"But Inter is a clever team, an intelligent team, a team with a lot of experience. We have some talent and we know how to play the game, so I think it will be a close match."

Meanwhile, Mourinho has confirmed that Patrick Vieira is nearing a return to full fitness following an Achilles tendon problem.

The Frenchman has not played since 22nd November but is back in training and expected to make his comeback inside the next fortnight.