Sir Alex Ferguson has likened Carlos Tevez to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

United face Lyon at Old Trafford later this evening in the 2nd leg of their Champions League tie, currently poised at 1-1.

Having won their last 9 games in the competition at home, they are hoping for victory tonight that will not only see them progress to the next round, but will also equal a record currently held by Juventus, of 10 straight wins at home.

Perhaps to motivate the Argentinian hitman, Fergie has gone on record with one of the biggest compliments he can allocate to a United player, that they are similar to Eric Cantona.

Fergie said, “Carlos reminds me of Eric Cantona in the way that he has a knack of rising to the occasion with a goal just when it is needed. He often comes up with the goods away from home when you are up against it. I do not think anything fazes him and he keeps his cool in the box.”

“He is proving to be a master at scoring the really important goals, the ones that give you a win or a draw, especially away from home. He did it at Tottenham to salvage a point as he made the result 1-1. He scored for a 1-0 win at Liverpool and he rescued us again by finding the net late at Lyon and nullifying their lead.”

Manchester United cannot take this evenings game for granted against the French Champions. Should Lyon get an away goal, United will have to be very cautious of conceding anymore.

United will be buoyed by the return of Nemanja Vidic to the centre of defence.

1st Leg: 1-1
Stadium: Old Trafford
Date: Tues 4 March 2008
Kickoff: 1945 GMT
Round: Last 16, 2nd Leg