Commonly, a goalless draw away from home in the first leg would be considered adequate. But at his pre-match press conference, held at Lord's Cricket Ground, Sir Alex hinted his side will be hunting goals when the teams meet in Europe for the first time since the Champions League final in Moscow back in 2008.
“The name of the game is to go back to Old Trafford with a goal in our pocket. Or hopefully even two goals,” the manager said. “We want to make sure we go back there with a great chance of qualifying. If we go back to Old Trafford with some advantage we'll be very difficult to beat on our own ground.
“I was happy [when the draw was made] to have the second leg at Old Trafford. It will be a magnificent atmosphere, the fans will be up for it. And when Old Trafford is like that it's a wonderful place to be. Hopefully we go back with some advantage.”
Scoring goals posed no problem for the Reds last weekend when Sir Alex's men came from two goals down to hit four past West Ham. Nor has it been beyond United on most trips into Europe this season. The Reds scored at Valencia, Rangers and Bursaspor before playing out a 0-0 draw in France against Marseille in the first knockout stage.
And, of course, Rooney fired United into the lead on the Reds' most recent visit to Stamford Bridge, last month.
“What's kept us going, despite the defensive injuries we've had, is a decent goal threat,” the boss said. “We had to wait until the last minute against Bolton, but I'm happy with that; I'm getting used to that – I think we all are.
“I'm happy with our forward play and the return of Valencia has been a magnificent bonus. He's a fantastic footballer. He's been out for six months and it's as if he's never been away. On Saturday again he was a major threat. That's a big bonus."
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