Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Champions League tie against Chelsea still even

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Champions League tie against Chelsea still even

Manchester United centre-half Rio Ferdinand believes that his side’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixture against Chelsea is still in the balance despite their win at Stamford Bridge on 6 April, 2011.

The English defender warns his side against complacency in the second leg against Chelsea but is confident that his team has what it takes to knock Carlo Ancelotti’s men out of the Champions League.

Ferdinand said, “It's in the balance. It was a good result but we need to go to Old Trafford, defend well, stay on our feet and if we don't concede we go through.”

Manchester United, who welcomed back Ferdinand and Rafael in the defence, levelled Arsenal’s record of keeping the most away clean sheets in a season by managing their fifth one against the Blues recently.

Despite Chelsea’s extraordinary start to the match, the Blues failed to find a breakthrough against a resolute United defence.

Manchester United’s exceptional defending was paid off with their fifth away clean sheet and Wayne Rooney rounded off the team’s extraordinary efforts with a first half strike.

Michael Carrick started the move with a long pass to Ryan Giggs on the opposite flank. The Welsh winger overlapped Jose Bosingwa with an exceptional first touch before playing a low cross towards Wayne Rooney inside the box. The English striker tucked the ball in the far corner which took the deflection of the post before crossing the goal line. It was Rooney’s fourth goal in two matches and Ferdinand feels that the under-fire striker is now finally coming back to his best.

Ferdinand added, “He’s a top quality player. It’s been showing over the last few weeks in glimpse. He’s got the ability to do wonderful stuff at any time in the game and he was consistent throughout the game and when we’ve got that, he’s some player to play against.”

Manchester United have never lost a European tie after winning the first leg and are almost certain to make it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The second leg between Manchester United and Chelsea will be played at Old Trafford on 12 April, 2011.