Manchester United Vs. Barcelona Match Preview

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are both doubts for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford after missing training on Monday morning.

Rooney took a knock to his hip before scoring the equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, while Vidic suffered a facial injury.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has scoffed at suggestions his team could be on the wane entering the most crucial phase of the season.

Instead, he maintains they are still well on course for a Barclays Premier League and Champions League double.

However, they go into the match on the back of a defeat against Chelsea, which saw their rivals move level at the top with two games to go.

But with matches to come at home to West Ham and away to Wigan, Ferguson is convinced they can achieve their goals.

Asked if he was worried, he said: "Not at all. We should be sitting here as champions of the league.

"I think decisions, bad decisions have gone against us. But it does not matter about those decisions now.

"When we signed on in August, it was to play 38 league matches and we need to win the last two to win the league. So be it.

"No matter what has happened, terrible performances or great performances, bad decisions, that's in the past.

"We have a semi-final, then a home game on Saturday (against West Ham) and a game against Wigan away... disaster.''

United hold the Champions League record for straight home victories and Ferguson has spoken of his pride in his players as they aim to extend that run to 12 games.

He said: "There was a lot of disappointment in the dressing room at the time up at Chelsea, especially in the manner which we lost.

"But we have the incentive of a big game, so you put that behind you quickly. A training session will reflect that.

"I trust these players. I am a lucky manager to have such good lads.

"Character-wise, they are fantastic. You saw that in the second half on Saturday, they were absolutely magnificent.

"That character is also a part of Manchester United. It epitomises the kind of player you have to be to play for the club.

"I am proud of those players representing me and the club.''

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has pledged to stay true to his side's attacking philosophy.

Following last week's goalless first-leg draw at the Nou Camp, Barca could have opted for a safety-first attitude for Tuesday's return meeting and look to sneak an away goal.

However, that would be a break from tradition for a side famed for their forward play, and Rijkaard believes it would be wrong to switch to more defensive tactics for the game with United.

"I think that we have always maintained our style of play wherever we have been, with only one exception, which was when we went to play at Chelsea's ground,'' Rijkaard said, recalling the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October 2006.

"There we played much more defensively than we are used to because at that point Chelsea were a very well-armed, organised and hard-working team, who were very dangerous on the counter-attack.

"But against Manchester United we have to play strong. To defend is not the correct course of action in this case. We have to play with aggression and by putting them under pressure.''

Rijkaard knows it is unlikely to be easy at Old Trafford, but is adamant his side can put aside their poor domestic form and make it through to the Champions League final.

"It is a difficult ground and a strong team, but I think that we can get through,'' said the Dutchman, who side have won just one of their last nine league matches while on Saturday they lost 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna - a result that ultimately ended their chances of catching Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Rijkaard added: "United are a team that have no fear. They play how they know, with a good attitude, with a lot of individual talent and without complicating things.

"On Tuesday I am sure they will come out more to attack than at the Nou Camp and we must take advantage of our chances. The keys to the tie? To be aggressive and put them under a lot of pressure so as to make life difficult for them.

"To defend the result is not our style. We need to worry only about our play.''