TREBLE WAS ALWAYS TOO MUCH
Former Reds favourite Lou Macari acknowledges how difficult it is to win trophies. Only 10 days ago, people were talking about a Treble but I'd never seen a Treble on the cards because of what we had to do. We had to beat City and then win the final, we've got to beat Schalke over two legs and then whoever in the final of that and win the Premier League obviously. I knew it was achievable but I didn't think it was going to be easy and, of course, it's gone now. Winning something, anything, is great in a football season as it's not that easy. I know the manager would love to go to Wembley and win the Champions League and that would be a massive achievement, especially as it's going to be Real Madrid or Barcelona in the final. Either of those would bring back memories of United's last European Cup final at Wembley, that was a great evening for the club, and this would be equally as good. But I think it's the hardest competition we're left in. We're in the driving seat in the league, it's a great position and we can only throw it away. The Champions League is different - there's a lot of hard work to be done there. It's achievable but the opposition is fierce. I thought when the draw was first made, like most people, that we'd be certain to face Inter Milan if we got past Chelsea. So Schalke are a bit of an unknown team but no-one can underestimate them with the two results they got against Inter. I saw Raul in the team and thought, to be honest with you, he was finishing at Real a couple of years ago and playing out time. But he seems to have a new lease of life, he's looking younger as time goes on and is a bit like Ryan Giggs in that respect. I thought Schalke were tailor-made for us and the best opponents we can get but I'm starting to wonder a little bit what lies in store for us. They're a bit of an unknown quantity in terms of what they've got to offer but, when you look at the evidence of the San Siro, five goals away from home is some achievement. If we'd scored that many in any Champions League campaign, people would be going overboard with the performance. I think now, without knowing a great deal about them, that they look dangerous opponents. More: Red Voices Podcast | Young Reds impress |