Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan says Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson didn't know how to handle him during his time at Old Trafford.

Forlan cannot wait to lead Atletico Madrid's attack in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal against Liverpool on Thursday night.

He said: "To play against Liverpool in a semi-final always offers motivation.

"But it is significant because I remember my time with Man United.

"When I was there, the Liverpool game was a classic - even though United were always better, Liverpool would always fight tremendously. I don't need to prove anything to Alex Ferguson, but he did not have much confidence in me.

"With more help I could have offered a better performance with United. The English fans did not see the real Forlan, but that was a decision of the coach.

"I don't hold a grudge. That is in the past and since then I have had excellent seasons in Spain.

"But it shows that life after Man United is not the end of football. I am happy and even though I think I should have had more chances with United, it was my destiny to end up enjoying success here."