Home comforts boost United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects his side's proud Champions League record to be tested to the full tonight.

While United's away form in the league has dipped, Ferguson is looking for his side to make it 12 straight home wins in the competition when they face Barcelona.

"It is a marvellous record, I cannot dispute that. We are proud of it," said Ferguson.

He added: "It does not change the aspect of this game, however.

"It will be a very balanced game, an open game, a fascinating game.

"It will be tactical at times and given nights like this, the fans can have an impact on our team.

"But our home record does not matter in this instance. It is just a good record, that's all."

United went out at the semi-final stage last season to AC Milan but Ferguson is quietly confident they will not trip up this time.

He said: "We have a very good team and some big-game players. We have a chance, a marvellous chance.

"While we have been unlucky in some semi-finals, Milan were much better prepared than us last season. We now have a bigger squad and that helps us."