UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Manchester United expect Roma to look for retribution in Champions League tie

Manchester United expect Roma to attempt to redress the balance after last season's 7-1 defeat. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is expecting AS Roma to come looking for revenge in their Champions League tie on Tuesday (October 2). The last time the clubs met at Old Trafford, United recorded a remarkable 7-1 win to book their place in last season's semi-finals. "There is big motivation for them," said Ferguson at a news conference on Monday (October 1). "I know that having seen the Italian press they are saying it's all about revenge. "It's a big occasion for them after the defeat they suffered last year. They will want to turn that scoreline around." Wayne Rooney, who scored in the 7-1 victory, also said Roma had an added incentive to do well in the Group F fixture. "If I was a Roma player I would have been delighted as soon as I saw the draw because I have an opportunity to make it right straight away," said the England striker. "If it was me I would be sitting here rubbing my hands and I couldn't wait for the game. They will be fired up more than for any other game." Despite a run of six successive wins, United have not been in their usual free-scoring form this season with a total of just eight goals in 10 matches. Ferguson and Rooney played down a possible repeat of their magnificent seven against a Roma side who have also only been beaten once this season. "It was a one-off," said Ferguson. "It won't happen again. European football is just not that way these days. "It was an exceptional performance. I think it will be difficult because Roma are playing well." United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been ruled out with a toe injury and Ferguson also has doubts over defenders Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown. John O'Shea and Gerard Pique stand by to deputise at the back while midfielder Owen Hargreaves is expected to make his European debut for United after a thigh strain.

ITN Source | October 2, 2007

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