Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hails Park Ji-Sung ahead of Schalke clash

Park Ji-Sung, Manchester United (Getty Images)

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise on Park Ji-Sung in recognition of his contributions on the European stage, ahead of the upcoming clash against Schalke.

The Red Devils take on the Bundesliga club in a Champions League double-header, with the winner booking a spot in the final at Wembley.

The United boss employs a different style of play in Europe from the tactics used in the Premier League, and reckons Park is a pivotal presence in the squad due to his discipline and football know-how.

“He’s got the discipline, intelligence and football knowledge you need in the biggest games,” said Sir Alex, according to The Guardian.

“Discipline is so much more important in the Champions League, and you need a slightly different type of discipline in Europe.

“Last season, for instance, one of the things that cost us was Rafael da Silva getting sent off in the return leg against Bayern Munich. There were other things but that was the killer for us. The boy was only 19 and he got carried away by the occasion. That can happen but there are some players you can normally rely on to keep a cool head and Park Ji-Sung is one of them.”

The Scot added: “When you pick teams for big games you need a core of discipline and he’s one of the players who can give you that. And he’s a fantastic professional. He moves and plays and moves again.

“That’s the asset he’s got. He doesn’t watch what other players are doing with the ball, he gets himself into another position so he can be involved again. That’s his value to us; he can be really important.”

Park has made seven appearances in the Champions League this season, scoring one goal and creating another in the process.