United looking for revenge against AS Roma

Photo: United looking for revenge against AS Roma

There is the only reason for Manchester United to be worried – clashes can happen when it faces AS Roma in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

United lost 2-1 Wednesday in the first leg at Stadio Olimpico, where Italian police fought with the visiting English fans. Outside the stadium, three United supporters were stabbed in clashes.

Extra police will be deployed before the match at Old Trafford, with 4,000 Roma fans expected in Manchester.

"I don't anticipate any problems at all," United manager Alex Ferguson said Monday. "I think the security at Old Trafford is fantastic."

United has failed five times to overcome a first-leg defeat in the competition, although a 1-0 win will be enough to advance to the semifinals because of its away goal.

But injuries continue to deny Ferguson two pillars of his defense: captain Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic. Midfielder Paul Scholes is suspended after being sent off in Rome.

Wayne Rooney will be relied on to score again after finally ending his almost three-year European goal drought in the first leg.

Manchester United is trying to emulate its 1999 treble. On Saturday, the team plays Watford in the FA Cup semifinals. In the Premier League, the Red Devils lost at Portsmouth 2-1 Saturday, reducing its lead over second-place Chelsea to only three points.

Roma rested Daniele De Rossi, Rodrigo Taddei, Mancini and Cristian Chivu in its 2-0 win over Catania in the Serie A on Saturday. Francesco Totti missed the match with back pain but is expected to return at Old Trafford.

Midfielder Simone Perrotta, who was born in Manchester, is suspended.

Roma, in second place in Serie A, reached the European Cup final in 1984 but lost to Liverpool on penalties.