Ferguson expects United to thrive on plastic pitch
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not worried about playing CSKA Moscow tonight on an artificial surface.
United are looking to maintain a perfect start to their Champions League campaign in the Russian capital, where they won the trophy against Chelsea in 2008.
That match was played on grass but this evening’s Group B clash against a side managed by former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos will take place on a synthetic surface.
Ferguson admits the conditions will be unfamiliar to his team, but believes they have always performed well on plastic pitches.
“I have no issues with the pitch in Moscow,” said Ferguson. “We had a great record at those artificial pitches and that was when the artificial pitches weren’t as good.
“The one in Moscow has a far better covering on it. I watched CSKA’s previous Champions League game and I didn’t see any issue with it at all. It is a passing surface and we have good passers in our side.”
Ferguson is without key men Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park against CSKA, who have won their last six home European matches. Since taking over last month Spaniard Ramos has fortified their form at the Luzhniki Stadium, winning all four of his home fixtures.