Ryan Giggs expects goals when Manchester United host Real Madrid

Ryan Giggs has told Manchester United fans to strap themselves in and get ready for the ride of their lives at Old Trafford tomorrow.

United entertain Real Madrid in a Champions League last-16 second-leg clash tomorrow knowing a goalless draw will be enough to clinch a quarter-final berth.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not think that will happen, though, considering the strengths of both sides lies in their attack rather than defences which have rarely been watertight this season.

It is just one of the reasons to look back on Real's last visit to old Trafford, an amazing occasion that finished 4-3 to United thanks to two goals from David Beckham and a comeback that followed a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Ronaldo, which earned him a standing ovation from the Stretford End.

"It was two great sides and there were so many goals. It could be similar tomorrow," said Giggs.

"When you have that much firepower on the pitch, undoubtedly there are going to be chances and goals."

And the spectre of Ronaldo remains. Only this time it is the man who once delighted the Old Trafford faithful rather than the one who remains the highest goalscorer in World Cup history, whom Ferguson rather cruelly dismissed today.

"The older one, the fatter one, peaked as a centre forward at that time," said Ferguson.

"(Cristiano) Ronaldo is a supreme athlete. He never misses a game, has fantastic physique, two great feet, pace, he is good in the air.

"My biggest concern is if he turns up because you expect problems.

"We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won't be easy because he does it every week.

"But it isn't something we should fear. If we go in worried about the damage Cristiano can do we forget what we can do ourselves."

The common consensus from the first leg three weeks ago was that United did well subduing the player they sold for a world record £80million in 2009, and who continues to be linked with a return even if Ferguson keeps dismissing it.

It is therefore a measure of Ronaldo's ability that he scored Real's equaliser after Danny Welbeck had given United a first-half lead, ensuring the tie remains balanced on a knife-edge.

The hosts' hopes of repeating that relatively subdued effort from a former world player of the year have undoubtedly been hit by the loss of Phil Jones, whom Ferguson confirmed has not recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Reading a fortnight ago.

"Phil Jones won't be fit for tomorrow," said Ferguson.

"His performance over there was absolutely excellent.

"It is a miss but we can't deem it as something we can't manage. We have got options. We hope we get that right."

If Jones is missing, and it is generally wise not to take Ferguson's injury bulletins ahead of such an important game as gospel until the teams are actually confirmed, the United boss does face a dilemma over who will replace him in midfield.

Tom Cleverley has a claim, although his natural instinct is to push forward rather than screen a defence, as does Wayne Rooney, especially if Ferguson opts for a more attacking wide player in the form of Nani or Ashley Young.

Giggs is more likely than either, though, given his vast experience and present form.

The Welshman's recent displays mirror those of Real as a team, given they flew into Manchester on Sunday night following back-to-back wins over Barcelona, the first of which in particular - a devastating 3-1 Copa del Rey second-leg triumph at the Nou Camp following a 1-1 stalemate at the Bernabeu - creates an uncomfortable precedent United need to avoid.

"Real have had two fantastic performances against Barcelona," said Ferguson.

"I was there for the first one when they were superb.

"They have found form at the right time for a game of this nature.

"Our form has been consistent for quite a while, which we need for tomorrow night's game also.

"As a European night I don't think you get any bigger than this one.

"It is two great clubs with great histories.

"It is set up to be a marvellous game. I don't think it will be a disappointment."

PA