Sir Alex Ferguson says he is not contemplating retirement while Jose Mourinho would love to manage a "special club" like Manchester United. It is no wonder really after witnessing the way they effortlessly dismantled Fulham on Saturday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. The quintuple is still on and United's strength in depth is proving vital in their pursuit of that landmark. Carlos Tevez struggles to make their Premier League first-team, but when he gets a chance, especially in the cups, he is determined to make it count.
He was a key member of their victorious Carling Cup side, and two goals, one a tremendous 25-yard thunderbolt, at Craven Cottage laid the platform for a convincing 4-0 FA Cup success. Ferguson described the Argentine striker as a "jack-in-the-box", and his energy and enthusiasm inspired his teammates, particularly fellow goalscorers Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park. Patrice Evra, the United full-back, said: "I'm very happy for Carlos. He doesn't play every game, but whenever the boss picks him he performs so well.
"He's different class; an unbelievable player. He deserved to score two goals and now Sir Alex will have a small problem when he chooses the team to play Inter Milan." With Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov certain to be recalled, Ferguson has an attacking selection poser for Wednesday's Champions League return with Mourinho's men. The same goes for the defence, although injuries to Rio Ferdinand (ankle) and John O'Shea (hamstring) will give Ferguson some cause for concern.
But Evra is confident United can cope and added: "You could see against Fulham that everybody was hungry to win the game," he said. "We're not thinking about winning five trophies. "We have to concentrate on every game and when you pull on the shirt you have to give your best. That's the spirit of Manchester United and with that spirit we can go far and reach the end of our mission." Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, felt his side were not in the "same ballpark" as an impressive United. The former Inter coach also believes a five-trophy haul is possible for Ferguson's side, but warned: "The most difficult will be the Champions League."
akhan@thenational.ae
