As Europe anticipates the top-of-the-bill UEFA Champions League clash between Inter Milan and Manchester United on Tuesday, few will be relishing the contest quite as keenly as Inter's coach Jose Mourinho. Upon arriving in Milan in June, the Portuguese voiced his dismay at the dwindling international reputation of Italian football and he will view the round of 16 first leg at the San Siro as the perfect opportunity to remind the world of the allure of Serie A. Mourinho has promised a "tactical" approach to the visit of his old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson's world and European champions, who have won 16 of their last 17 games in all competitions.
The former Chelsea boss has also wasted little time in sparking the pre-match mind games by claiming United striker Wayne Rooney should be banned for the tie. Writing in British newspaper the Sunday Telegraph, Mourinho said: "Back in 2005, UEFA used TV evidence to suspend Michael Essien for a challenge that he made in the Champions League against Liverpool.
