No favours for United, says Lille coach Puel

Lille coach Claude Puel, seen here in October 2005, has called on his goal-shy players to turn up the tempo and benefit from the lack of form shown by Manchester United when the pair meet in the Champions League

Lille coach Claude Puel has called on his goal-shy players to turn up the tempo and benefit from the lack of form shown by Manchester United when the pair meet in the Champions League.

United were humiliated 4-1 by Middlesbrough in the Premiership on Saturday, and while Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping for a redemptive performance from his players Puel is hoping his can achieve a feat of their own.

From their three group D matches so far Lille have registered two draws and a defeat but have failed to score a single goal.

The team from the north east of France near the Belgian border have shown improvement in each match, which could be a good sign for Puel ahead of what should be a record sell-out attendance at the Stade de France.

Asked whether he expected more improvement or a positive result, Puel told reporters Tuesday: "Both. Even though we've been improving with each match, we play to win matches.

"We're starting to feel at ease in the competition. Playing at Old Trafford or at the Velodrome (home of Marseille) allows us to get used to the big stadium atmosphere.

"All I expect is that we give everything on Tuesday and that we do it for the totality of the 90 minutes. Afterwards, we'll see what kind of result it gives us."

Sir Alex Ferguson, seen here addressing the press in Paris, is hoping for a redemptive performance from his players after United were humiliated 4-1 by Middlesbrough in the Premiership on Saturday

United's league setback has led to mayhem for the club in England, with injured midfielder Roy Keane on Tuesday lambasting several players at the club for what he allegedly said was a lack of talent.

It's all news to Puel, but he is aware of the chances of a United backlash.

"We don't pay too much attention to Manchester United's results. We've seen some of their games but we're trying to concentrate on what we have to do," he said.

"We know we're going to come up against a team which will be very determined. In the Premiership, they've more or less lost the chance of being champions so they will want to keep a solid interest in the Champions League.

"There's a lot at stake but I think we have to go out and enjoy ourselves and try to have a good match."

United are missing several regular players. Paul Scholes is suspended while Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane are injured.

However Wayne Rooney is a definite starter alongside Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy - who will wear the United captain's armband for the first time.

Puel said he did not know if it was the best time to play United. Even depleted, he conceded that Ferguson's side would still be formidable opponents.

"I don't know if it's the best time. They have a few players missing but even so the ones that are there are not to bad.

"When you look at the sum of the individuals they have available, there are a lot of teams who would love to have such potential.

"But one thing is sure. We're not going out there to help them relaunch their season."