Man Utd manager Alex Ferguson
“I have not picked my team yet. We are coming into a period where we have the game tomorrow, then Chelsea on Sunday, Leeds United on Tuesday, then Stoke away on the following Saturday. Obviously the squad will be used but first of all we are giving a lot of consideration to Benfica. I have not decided [who will play]. I have a few things to think about. But it wouldn’t worry me at all to play the [same] team that is doing well.”
“We know all about Pablo Aimar. Aimar played against us for Valencia a few years ago, he is a very talented player. [Ezequiel] Garay and Luisao at the back are also very experienced, good players.
“It won’t be easy for us, it will be a difficult game. But it will be difficult for Benfica too.”
Man Utd player Anderson
“The season has been great for me so far.”
“It is very special to play here as a former Porto player. Benfica are stronger now than when I played in Portugal for Porto.
“They are growing and are more experienced. The coach is very good so they will be difficult to beat.”
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus
“What matters for this game is knowing that Manchester United are strong in offence and they have creative players.”
“The fact that this or that player cannot play does not make them weaker.
“Their offensive power, with players like Nani, makes them a balanced team, who are hard to overcome.”
“The favouritism belongs to them because of their players and their past,” Jesus told reporters at a press conference.
“They are one of the best teams in the world, but that will not inhibit us. We will play the game with the utmost respect, but it seems to me we have ability to surprise United.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
BENFICA
Artur;Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Emerson,Garcia,Witsel, Gaitan, Nolito,Saviola, Cardozo
MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea,Jones, Smalling, Evans, Fabio,Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Young,Rooney,Chicharito