Fergie up for the cup

Red Devils boss keen on landing Super Cup

Last updated: 28th August 2008

Fergie up for the cup

Ferguson: Redemption

When I saw Lazio celebrating as if they had won the World Cup, I thought 'That won't happen again'.

Ferguson on Super Cup
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on Uefa Super Cup redemption following their 1-0 defeat to Lazio nine years ago.

The Red Devils qualified for the tournament following their penalty shoot-out success over Chelsea in last year's UEFA Champions League final.

Back in 1999 United's remarkable late turnaround against Bayern Munich saw them meet Uefa Cup winners Lazio in the Super Cup, but Ferguson opted to field a weakened team against the Italians.

After seeing Lazio celebrate their success over his treble-winning team courtesy of Marcelo Salas' goal, Ferguson is determined to avoid a repeat this time around against Zenit St Petersburg.

"The last time we came here for some reason I played a weakened team," stated Ferguson, who cannot forget their 1-0 defeat nine years ago.

"We had a lot of reserves in our line-up as we had a Monday game to follow against Newcastle.

"When I saw Lazio celebrating as if they had won the World Cup, I thought 'That won't happen again'.

"I will play a much stronger team tomorrow - although there will be some changes - and we will represent the club in the right way."

United welcome back Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and Nani for the Friday's clash, although Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo are both missing with ankle injuries.