‘Blues win has set the tone’

– Ashley Young (above) felt Manchester United’s stunning victory over Chelsea set a benchmark ahead of the conclusion of their Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht tonight.

United revitalised their season and blew open the Premier League title race by sinking leaders Chelsea 2-0 last Sunday in a tactical masterclass by manager Jose Mourinho.

Despite dominating last week’s first leg against Anderlecht, United returned from Brussels with a 1-1 draw, but Young says they have no doubts about their ability to finish the job.

“We have felt that kind of performance coming,” said the versatile England international, United’s captain against Chelsea.

“We have belief in ourselves. I have confidence in every single player in the squad.

“Hopefully we have a semifinal coming up. If we can play like we did against Chelsea, then I am sure we can get through against Anderlecht and into the semifinals.”

But whereas the path to a Champions League berth via the league remains steep, should they overcome Anderlecht, United will be just three games from securing qualification by winning the Europa League.

United are bidding to become only the fifth club – after Juventus, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Chelsea – to have won all three of Europe’s major cup competitions.

They lifted the European Cup in 1968, 1999 and 2008 and the now defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991, but have never previously gone beyond the last eight in the Europa League (formerly the Uefa Cup).

Lyon are braced for fresh turbulence as they take a 2-1 lead into the away leg of their tie against Turkish giants Besiktas.

Ajax carry a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their tie at Schalke, while Celta Vigo are 3-2 up prior to their game at Genk. – AFP