Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is expecting Roma to be looking for revenge in their Champions League tie on Tuesday.
United crushed the Italians 7-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie last season following a 2-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma return to Old Trafford on Tuesday for a group fixture the United boss is aware of Roma’s wish to mke amends for last season’s humiliation.
“Well, obviously, I think there’s a big motivation,” said Ferguson on Sky Sports News. “I know my brother bought some of the Italian papers and it’s all about revenge.
“I understand it’s a big occasion for them after the defeat they suffered last year. They’ll want to turn that scoreline round.
“It was a one-off, to be honest with you. It won’t happen again, European football is just not that way nowadays. It was an exceptional performance on the night.
“I think it will be a really difficult game for us, Roma are playing very well.
“They had a disappointing result for them on Saturday, but they lost a man after 28 minutes when Giuly was sent off and it was 0-0.
“There’s a penalty kick and from that point it then became very difficult for them. They are just the same as last year.”
Wayne Rooney, who scored in the 7-1 victory, also acknowledged that Roma had an added incentive to do perform at Old Trafford.
“If I was a Roma player I would have been delighted as soon as I saw the draw because I have an opportunity to make it right straight away,” said the England striker.
“If it was me I would be sitting here rubbing my hands and I couldn’t wait for the game. They will be fired up more than for any other game.”
