Nikica Jelavic believes that Rangers can secure a shock win over Manchester United when the two sides meet in the Champions League on Tuesday evening (United 1/6, draw 11/2, Rangers 18/1 ).
Jelavic will not feature in the clash due to being cup-tied but believes that United being favourites for the tie means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Rangers were overwhelming favourites to beat Hamilton in the SPL on Saturday but needed a 90th minute goal from substitute Kenny Miller to secure a 2-1 win. Jelavic believes that Hamilton’s battling qualities can be used as inspiration to Rangers when they become the underdogs at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Speaking about the fixture, Jelavic stated: “I think we have a chance.
“Manchester United is a big team but, in our game [against Hamilton], they were 100% and we were a little down and thought it would be easy. Maybe this could also happen in the Champions League.
“You never know. Maybe if we are 100%, we can take some points there.”
Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is still haunted by last season’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which he claimed his side “ballsed up”.
Arjen Robben’s late volley saw the German side progress on away goals but had United got through, Ferguson believes they would have reached the final. He went on to admit that he would have fancied his side’s chances against Inter Milan.
Speaking to the People, he said: “Last year still plays on my mind, that Bayern Munich game. Christ, I’m still not sleeping after that! I keep thinking about that game and keep getting angry about the way we lost it.
“We were in complete control until Rafael was sent off and then they came back into it. That result hurt and still does.”
Ferguson will be hoping to use this hurt to spur his side on this season. However, he is not taking Rangers lightly, accepting that Walter Smith will present a side which will be organised and difficult to beat. The United boss has stressed that he respects the Scottish side and certainly will not be taking them for granted.
Wayne Rooney (2/1 to be first goalscorer) is set to return to the fold after missing the trip to Everton due to the “terrible abuse” he usually gets at his former club. This would have been heightened following revelations about his private life although assistant boss Mike Phelan also suggested the England striker “wasn’t ready to play”.
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