FOOTBALL: Ferguson Backs United to Buck Spanish History

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IN THE domestic arena, as the Premiership approaches its denouement, Manchester United have history on their side. Though the odds may be against Sir Alex Ferguson's men, observers are reluctant to write them off averring: "They have been there before. They know what is required".

In Europe tonight, however, history is against them. The English champions go into the first-leg of their European Cup quarter-final against Deportivo La Coruna aware, not only that the Spanish side have already defeated them home and away this season, but in a dozen attempts United have never beaten a Spanish team on their home ground.

They are not the only ones to struggle in Iberia. …