United wary of Bursaspor's domestic bliss

Bursaspor may have lost all three games so far on their UEFA Champions League debut but ahead of the visit of Group C leaders Manchester United FC, the Turkish titleholders' coach Ertuğrul Sağlam said defiantly: "We believe we can get a result that will be written into the history books with golden letters." Meanwhille, United, who are without Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand among others, can take a big leap towards qualification if they prevail.

Ertuğrul Sağlam, Bursaspor coach
We need to learn the lessons from the Rangers and Manchester United games and play football the right way. Only by doing so can we be successful. Three matches are over now but each game is a new experience. Now there's a brand new chance ahead of us. Having got attuned to the Champions League atmosphere, we aim to play good football against a big team like Manchester United.

We believe we can get a result that will be written into the history books with golden letters. Obviously, the English side are a very hard team to beat, world giants let's say, but last season we achieved something which nobody believed in. We must view tomorrow's game like this and aim to get a good victory.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Man United manager
I've decided to leave Rio [Ferdinand] at home. I expect Bursaspor to be in a different mood because of their home advantage. [They] have been playing well recently; they drew 1-1 against Fenerbahçe and before that they cruised to an impressive 5-1 win [against MKE Ankaragücü].

In the past, we have had very difficult matches against other Turkish sides, such as Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. This game will also be difficult – if a team are at the top of their domestic league, you must respect them. We need to be very careful with Volkan Şen, he is a very dangerous player for us. We will have a plan as the visiting team. Of course the target is victory because if we reach ten points we can qualify.

Team news
• Bursaspor
Milan Stepanov (knee) and Ali Tandoğan (torn hamstring) are back in contention after recovering from injuries picked up at Old Trafford, along with Federico Insúa, who played for Bursaspor in the league on Friday after shaking off a hamstring knock.

• United
Ferdinand has been rested, while Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (hip/virus) are out along with Rooney (ankle) and Michael Owen (hamstring) who are both set to spend a few weeks on the sidelines. Antonio Valencia is in line for a longer absence after dislocating and fracturing his left ankle. Federico Macheda, Anderson (both virus) and Gary Neville are also unavailable.

Weekend results
29/10/10 Bursaspor 1-1 Fenerbahçe SK
(Ergić 51; Semih Şentürk 17)
Ivan Ergić took his tally to four league goals this term, equalling his return for the whole of last season. Bursaspor have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, but remain the Süper Lig's only unbeaten side. The Turkish titleholders have not lost a league game since 26 March when they were beaten 2-1 at İstanbul BB SK.

30/10/10 United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur FC
(Vidić 31, Nani 84)
United have won their last four matches, with victory against fellow UEFA Champions League contenders Tottenham coming through a Nemanja Vidić header and a late second from Nani.

Did you know?
United have won seven of their last eight UEFA Champions League away games, most recently the 1-0 victory at Valencia CF on Matchday 2. Their only blip in that sequence was the last-minute defeat at FC Bayern München in last season's quarter-final – their only loss in their last 18 away matches in the competition.

For more information see the match background.