Conquering Europe is priority
Owen Hargreaves has revealed winning the Champions League is United's priority this season, ahead of retaining their Premier League title. While United remain on course to win both, with a three-point lead in the title race and a semi-final date with Barcelona, midfielder Hargreaves claimed Europe is now his side's main focus. Hargreaves said: "From a distance you associate United with the Premier League title, which is probably the most prestigious in Europe. But I've read Roy Keane's book and he says the most important thing at United is the Champions League. There was a conversation with him and the manager, who said that without him they could win the Premier League but they need him fit to win the Champions League. And the manager pulled Jaap Stam up when Stam said the priority at United was the league, telling him it was Europe. There's a totally different atmosphere at Old Trafford for European games than for domestic fixtures. United now considers itself a global brand and it needs success in Europe to strengthen that position."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror
The midfielder also revealed that his career continues to be blighted by a chronic knee injury. "It's something the doctors say I have to manage because when you get this problem it stays with you," said Hargreaves.
Samuel Eto'o believes Barcelona are better than United and he is already dreaming of a Champions League final date in Moscow.
Fellow striker Thierry Henry claims Middlesborough have provided Barcelona with the blueprint for ending Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of Champions League glory. he said: "Middlesborough showed that if you attack them you can score goals against United."