Giggs expects thrills as attacking rivals collide

United entertain Real Madrid in their Champions League last-16 second leg knowing a goalless draw will be enough to clinch a quarter-final berth.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not think that will happen, though, considering the strengths of both sides lies in their attack rather than defences, which have rarely proved to be watertight this season.

It is just one of the reasons to look back on Real’s last visit to old Trafford, an amazing occasion that finished 4-3 to United thanks to two goals from David Beckham and a comeback that followed a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Ronaldo, which earned him a standing ovation from the Stretford End.

“It was two great sides and there were so many goals. It could be similar this time,” said Giggs.

“When you have that much firepower on the pitch, undoubtedly there are going to be chances and goals.”

And the spectre of Ronaldo remains. Only this time it is the man who once delighted the Old Trafford faithful rather than the one who remains the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.

“(Cristiano) Ronaldo is a supreme athlete,” said Ferguson.

“He never misses a game, has fantastic physique, two great feet, pace, he is good in the air. My biggest concern is if he turns up because you expect problems.

“We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won’t be easy because he does it every week.

“But it isn’t something we should fear. If we go in worried about the damage he can do we forget what we can do ourselves.”

The common consensus from the first leg three weeks ago was that United did well subduing the player they sold for a world record £80m in 2009, and who continues to be linked with a return even if Ferguson keeps dismissing it.

It is therefore a measure of Ronaldo’s ability that he scored Real’s equaliser after Danny Welbeck had given United a first-half lead, ensuring the tie remains balanced on a knife-edge.

Real flew into Manchester on Sunday night following back-to-back wins over Barcelona, something Ferguson recognises.

“Real have had two fantastic performances against Barcelona,” said Ferguson. “I was there for the first one when they were superb.

“They have found form at the right time for this kind of game. As a European night I don’t think you get any bigger than this one.”