Credibility counts for Bayern's Butt

Hans-Jörg Butt knows Wayne Rooney and Manchester United FC can pack a fearsome punch but, as FC Bayern Münich prepare to kick off their quarter-final tie at home, the goalkeeper is urging his team to believe in themselves.

Games between the two sides are usually close, and occasionally – like the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, won by United thanks to two added-time goals – extremely dramatic. Recent history suggests that the hosts will have a tough time this time around: Bayern have not reached a semi-final since they beat United en route to wining the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League, while Sir Alex Ferguson's side are aiming for a fourth successive last-four appearance.

Statistics, however, are not everything and Butt – who was on the losing side in the 2001/02 final when Zinédine Zidane's winner for Real Madrid CF stole Bayer 04 Leverkusen's thunder - is adamant that his side have nothing to be afraid of. "It is always a pleasure to play in the Champions League and to play against the greatest teams in Europe," the 35-year-old said. "It is also important to believe and to take our chances in attack."

A proven goalscorer himself – Butt was on target from the penalty spot against Juventus earlier in the competition – the goalkeeper has no great desire to add to his tally in Munich, with keeping a clean sheet his main priority. That will be no easy task given the recent form of United striker Wayne Rooney, and Butt knows Bayern will have their hands full.

"It is really important to play it very tight, especially in the Champions League," he explained. "We have to start out from a strong defence. It is important that Manchester United do not score in Munich. Of course, Rooney is a great player and we have to keep an eye of him, but Rooney is not the only player who can score. United have a lot of other fantastic and dangerous players."