Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Ji-Sung talking up Manchester United treble

Ji-Sung Park is convinced that Manchester United have what it takes to win the treble for a second time.

The South Korea midfielder believes the squad is much stronger now than at any other point in the past two years.

The arrival of players like Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani has given Park cause for optimism going into a crucial part of the campaign.

Leaders United return to league action on Wednesday against Portsmouth at Old Trafford after defeating Tottenham to set up a match with Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Next month there is the small matter of a two-legged meeting against Lyon in the Champions League, and Park is excited about the challenges that lie ahead after recovering from a serious knee injury.

He said: 'The team is better than last season and the year before.

'We are all getting better and that means we have a good opportunity to win all competitions.

'Last season we had a chance to win many things but had to settle for the league title.

'That is good but it could have been more. This season we have a good squad with injured players coming back, so we are better equipped.'

Park made his comeback on Boxing Day against Sunderland and insists his injury problems are a thing of the past.

He said: 'My knee is fine. Since I have been back playing I have had no reaction, so I feel good.

'Physically I am in good condition because I have been in the gym for a long time.'

Park is hoping to face Portsmouth but centre-half Nemanja Vidic remains doubtful after being forced to miss the Tottenham game because of a virus.

Paul Scholes is pushing for a place in the starting line-up following a 25-minute appearance in the fourth-round tie, three months after a knee operation.

Meanwhile Danny Wellbeck, 17, is joining the first-team squad as manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been pleased with the striker's progress.

Manchester-born Wellbeck travelled with the senior squad to Saudi Arabia last week and came on in a testimonial game, missing a late penalty.

Ferguson said: 'The boy is beyond doubt a Manchester United player.

'We brought young Wellbeck into the squad for Saudi and he did very well. He will stay with the first-team squad now.

'Danny is only 17 and he needs time as they all do. He needs a bit of strength.

'But he has a lot of marvellous things about him. He is a local boy, which is nice, too.'

by soccernet.espn.go.com

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