Football: I've never known us so desperate for a result - this is

THERE is immense pressure on Wednesday night's game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

It's no exaggeration to say that for some players, Judgment Day approaches.

Sir Alex Ferguson has always protested that there are few individuals capable of holding down a place in this team and the minority that could are way out of our financial reach.

But any suggestion that the boss has gone soft as retirement approaches is unfounded, believe me.

It would be an understatement to say he was not amused by the home defeat by Bayern.

Those of us who felt disappointed after the game were allowed brief indulgence in self-pity as it was made quite clear the axe was hanging over our heads.

If you can't match his desire and show the same ruthless streak for winning the boss has it's time, as he puts it politely,to pack your bags and find another club.

Roy Keane intimated this week that the club would not be frightened to bring the cheque book out if we don't achieve success in Europe. In my opinion he is being kind about the serious predicament we are in.

Our form in Europe this season has been relatively poor and while the Premiership was won by Christmas, the competition that will bring us greatness has been a painful venture once more.

There has always been pressure at the club, it comes with the territory. You grow up with it the first moment you step inside the door.

But I have to admit I have never known such desperation going into a game as this.

Anything over than victory on Wednesday and our supposed invincibility will be shattered.

It's unusual for United players to talk about games ahead of time but since the Bayern defeat, the return leg has occupied all our minds.

That's not to say the spirit and will to win have been shattered by the home defeat. But we know the manager will not tolerate under- achievement in Europe any longer.

If we go out in Germany I genuinely fear for my place in the side. The same applies across the board - nobody is safe from the axe.

I don't share the view that players become bad overnight and I don't believe we have suffered from a dramatic loss of form either.

What has been clear is that in winning the league with relative ease the edge appears to have gone from our game.

When we won the Champions League in 1999 the competition for glory was strong in all quarters.

Arsenal were snapping at our heels in the League and we had to come from two goals down against Juventus in Turin a few days before playing Arsenal in an FA Cup semi-final.

Without being pushed to the limit week in and week out, you cannot expect to maintain a strong level of consistency.

It could be argued that we have become victims of our own success - I'm sure any other club would be happy with the league crown. But the more successful you are, the greater the demands.

We now find ourselves at the point where our futures rest on one game. And I believe this is no idle threat from the boss as he prepares to enter the final season of his managerial career.

As he has stressed to the point of endless repetition, if we don't succeed on Wednesday he will bring players in who can.

That said, I genuinely feel we can get a result. Bayern's attacking style can play into our hands. Even leading 1-0 it would be uncharacteristic of them to sit back and defend such a narrow lead and with that in mind the game will open up to us.

The loss of David Beckham is a massive blow to the team but we must show character beyond the call of duty and ensure Champions League survival is achieved in three days' time.

As you are probably all too aware, I have just signed a new five- year contract. It's important to point out that although some deliberation took place on my part before I signed, despite the adverse publicity surrounding spiralling wages there was never any problem with their offer from the opening negotiations.

In signing the new deal I have laid to rest any talk of playing abroad once and for all. Over the years there have been times when I've considered Italian or Spanish football. I've been open enough to say that in the past. But as negotiations drew closer my heart remained with United and ultimately I came to the conclusion I would not find the same success elsewhere.

I'm sure in years to come I might wonder what if, but at the end of this contract I will be 32 and with the options of perhaps a further two years, I expect to finish my career at the only club I have ever known.

I did consider the implications of the manager going next season but I strongly believe he has left great foundations for further success to the man who eventually steps in.

Copyright 2001 MGN LTD
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