Fergie - Inter to play for pens

United boss not worried by prospect of a shoot-out

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 8th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie - Inter to play for pens

Ferguson: Ready for penalties

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting Inter Milan to play for a penalty shoot-out in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.

The first leg in the San Siro finished 0-0, with United outplaying the Italian champions for long periods of the game, but failing to score an away goal.

Ahead of Wednesday's return meeting at Old Trafford, Ferguson believes Inter will be happy for the last 16 encounter to be decided on penalties.

However, following last weekend's Carling Cup success in a shoot-out, and last season's Champions League triumph by the same means, Ferguson is not worried by the prospect of the match being settled that way.

Italian mentality

"I tell you that Inter at Old Trafford will try to get it to a shoot-out," Ferguson told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There is still that Italian mentality, also with the Argentinian players. That idea of penalties remains the same.

"They will try to keep the game at 0-0.

"I'm not worried about anything. My players have shown they have what it takes when there is a shoot-out. I hope they will continue in the same way."

Ferguson is also hoping that United's defence can again keep the shackles on Inter's strike duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano.

He added: "They are dangerous, especially at free-kicks, but in Milan we controlled them really well.

"My players played with fantastic concentration levels. They must do the same again in the second leg."