Manchester United boss praises Rangers manager
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has issued high praise for Rangers boss Walter Smith ahead of the sides' meeting in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday 24 November.
The match at Ibrox marks the second game between the clubs in the competition this season, following the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in September. While United need only a draw to book their place in the
last 16 of the competition, Scottish Premier League champions Rangers will be looking for a win after falling behind Spanish outfit Valencia in the group standings.
The game may mark Smith's last competitive encounter with his old friend Ferguson after announcing his intention to step down as Rangers boss at the end of the season, and Ferguson took the opportunity
ahead of the game to praise his opposite number for his success since returning to Ibrox in 2007.
He told reporters: "The resources at his disposal have been scant to say the least, but he has almost achieved a miracle in winning three titles on the trot. Wherever Walter goes, his experience is important.
That has proved itself in the work he has done here in his second spell, with no money at all."
Despite Rangers missing six first-team players and Smith admitting that he'd likely have to ditch his favoured defensive approach, Ferguson added that he was not taking anything for granted in his quest
to take at least a point away from Glasgow.
He said: "It is an interesting situation and one we have to treat pretty seriously. It is all right saying we only need one point, but if Rangers win we then have to beat Valencia (in the last group stage
game), so hopefully we can continue our form away from home in the Champions League."
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