Soccer-United to shrug off Chelsea defeat, says Ferguson

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER, England, April 28 (Reuters) - Manchester United will not let their defeat by Chelsea affect Tuesday's decisive Champions League semi-final with Barcelona, according to manager Alex Ferguson.

United's 2-1 loss at their Premier League title rivals on Saturday rounded off a run of four league games in which Ferguson's leaders have won only once and have allowed Chelsea to draw level on points.

"Everybody is disappointed to lose a game of football but with the incentive of a big game like tomorrow night you put that (defeat) behind you quickly," Ferguson told a news conference on Monday.

"I trust these players and I am happy for those players to represent Manchester United in any shape or form, in any game. I think I am lucky manager to have such good lads. Character-wise they are fantastic.

"That character is part of Manchester United. It epitomises the kind of player needed to play for Manchester United and I am proud I have got these players representing myself and the club tomorrow night.

"I think we have got big-game players and we have got players who can win matches. I think we have a marvellous chance."

EVENLY BALANCED