IT's surprising fact that United have not won in London for twelve months, ironically the last time the Reds collected three points was February '07 at Craven Cottage. Tomorrow, United once again take on relegation threatened Fulham in what could turn out to be a very interesting day in the capital with Arsenal taking on in-form Aston Villa at the Emirates.
However, if Fergie is hoping that Martin O'Neill et all will do the Reds a favour by taking points off the Gunners, the United manager will have also noted that earlier this month Fulham managed a home win against Villa, which once again just goes to show that apart from Newcastle, there's no easy games in the Premier League...
By their standards, United have struggled with a poor run of the results so far in London this season, losing to West Ham was for many fans unforgivable, dropping points against Spurs and Arsenal less so, but there will be no acceptable excuses should the Reds fail to win against Roy Hodgson's side.
Fergie will have one eye firmly fixed on the midweek clash with Lyon and no doubt that will influence his thinking regarding selection issues, for this reason expect Louis Saha to start up front.
Who should figure in the engine room will once again be the biggest headache for the manager, does he start with: Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs (an injury doubt - calf strain), Park or Nani? Who should be left on the bench? Don't be surprised if Ronaldo and Rooney are given the day off.
No matter what team Fergie selects against Fulham it should be good enough for the Reds to end capital punishment for our travelling fans this weekend, but with Fulham scrapping for their collective lives in the big league, it could well turn out to be another of those nerve racking days for United supporters. It was seemingly ever thus....
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
United guilty of ball watching over big star deal?
According to the latest news, Rio Ferdinand is in no hurry to talk about his future at Manchester United, his current deal runs out in the summer of 2009. The concern for many supporters is that Rio's last deal was protracted and only agreed after 16 long months of negotiations, added to which the England defender has stated his desire to play on the continent before he retires. With such a short time frame to iron-out any new deal there must be a strong possibility that Ferdinand could leave on a free transfer next summer.
If United are keen to tie Rio down to a new long-term deal, then what on earth have they been doing allowing him to run down the clock? That is a question that many United fans will be asking on hearing this news. Ferdinand and Vidic have formed arguably the best central partnership in European club football, to break that up would be costly, if not act of madness, though the club could well be powerless to prevent it from happening if the player is set on moving to pastures new.
We the fans have been led to believe that the reason for the delay in talks over this new deal is according to reports down to the players agent Pini Zahavi. There is no suggestion at this stage that Rio is ready to leave the club, but it would nice to hear the player come and say that he wants to stay at United.
If United are keen to tie Rio down to a new long-term deal, then what on earth have they been doing allowing him to run down the clock? That is a question that many United fans will be asking on hearing this news. Ferdinand and Vidic have formed arguably the best central partnership in European club football, to break that up would be costly, if not act of madness, though the club could well be powerless to prevent it from happening if the player is set on moving to pastures new.
We the fans have been led to believe that the reason for the delay in talks over this new deal is according to reports down to the players agent Pini Zahavi. There is no suggestion at this stage that Rio is ready to leave the club, but it would nice to hear the player come and say that he wants to stay at United.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
United urged to buy top target now...
Lyons' Jean-Alain Boumsong has hinted that United should try to buy Karim Benzema as soon as possible, he says that the French club cannot compete with the Red Devils: "We want to win the Champions League, but that is going to be difficult because maybe next season Manchester United will buy Benzema. We can't compare United and Lyons', they can afford the best players in the world.”
Lyons' president Jean-Michel Aulas, has a well earned reputation for prizing sky-high fees out of clubs who have bought players from his club.
Ferguson wanted Michael Essien and Mahamadou Diarra, but was outbid by Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Aulas has recently slapped a £45m price tag on the head of Karim Benzema, or alternatively Cristiano Ronaldo plus cash...
More likely it's thought that United will offer 'the man in bandages' aka Louis Saha, plus cash.
Boumsong was talking to the SUNDAY TIMES.
Lyons' president Jean-Michel Aulas, has a well earned reputation for prizing sky-high fees out of clubs who have bought players from his club.
Ferguson wanted Michael Essien and Mahamadou Diarra, but was outbid by Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Aulas has recently slapped a £45m price tag on the head of Karim Benzema, or alternatively Cristiano Ronaldo plus cash...
More likely it's thought that United will offer 'the man in bandages' aka Louis Saha, plus cash.
Boumsong was talking to the SUNDAY TIMES.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Newcastle 1-5 United: Messiah's second coming going horribly wrong...
The 'Geordie nation' had hoped for a repeat of the 1996 5-0 drubbing of Manchester United today when the two teams faced off at St James Park this evening. The Red Devils had already avenged that 1996 defeat by rattling in five or more goals on four separate occasions against Newcastle, the latest being the 6-0 hammering of Keegan's team at Old Trafford in January.
Tonight Newcastle fans got the five goals they were so desperately hoping for, the only problem was they were in the Toon net. Newcastle had started the game brightly enough with James Milner giving the Reds a few early problems from the right flank, added to which the home team was closing down the visitors all over the park.
However, Keegan's team simply could not match the quality of Ronaldo and Rooney, on the 25 minutes the Two-Rs combined beautifully after an excellent Michael Carrick ball found the Portuguese winger hugging the left touchline, Ronaldo performed one of his trademark cut-backs on the Newcastle byline before firing over a pin-point cross which found Rooney steaming-in unmarked at the far post, the England striker's finish did not disappoint the hordes of visiting fans when he lashed it beyond Given.
On 44 minutes, Ronaldo got in on the scoring act after local boy Michael Carrick once again dissected the hapless Newcastle back four with another searching ball to the feet of the Portuguese flyer who gave Given no chance when coolly slotting home the Reds second goal of the half.
Keegan's team had a decent 10 minute spell just after the half-time break, but on 56 minutes Ronaldo made it three-nil after some comical defending by Newcastle which eventually led to the United winger leaving a befuddled Steven Taylor sprawled on the turf, and once again the finish was exemplary.
Newcastle salvaged some pride on 79 minutes when Faye scored from a corner, but only a minute later Wayne Rooney scored his second goal of the game, after Alan Smith's attempt at a clearance found its way to the feet of the England striker who curled his arching shot beyond the reach of Steve Harper to score another picture-book goal for the visitors.
Second-half substitute Louis Saha completed the rout when he combined with Rooney in the 90th minute to make it a thoroughly miserable day for Keegan and Newcastle fans.
However, for Manchester United supporters the Reds are now just three points behind leaders Arsenal and so it is very much game on.
It's doubtful that Newcastle will be relegated this season, but they have some tough looking games on the horizon. It remains to be seen if Keegan will ride out the current run of poor results and go on to turn it around, the defending against United today was pathetic at times and that is putting it mildly. Cheer up Kevin Keegan.
Tonight Newcastle fans got the five goals they were so desperately hoping for, the only problem was they were in the Toon net. Newcastle had started the game brightly enough with James Milner giving the Reds a few early problems from the right flank, added to which the home team was closing down the visitors all over the park.
However, Keegan's team simply could not match the quality of Ronaldo and Rooney, on the 25 minutes the Two-Rs combined beautifully after an excellent Michael Carrick ball found the Portuguese winger hugging the left touchline, Ronaldo performed one of his trademark cut-backs on the Newcastle byline before firing over a pin-point cross which found Rooney steaming-in unmarked at the far post, the England striker's finish did not disappoint the hordes of visiting fans when he lashed it beyond Given.
On 44 minutes, Ronaldo got in on the scoring act after local boy Michael Carrick once again dissected the hapless Newcastle back four with another searching ball to the feet of the Portuguese flyer who gave Given no chance when coolly slotting home the Reds second goal of the half.
Keegan's team had a decent 10 minute spell just after the half-time break, but on 56 minutes Ronaldo made it three-nil after some comical defending by Newcastle which eventually led to the United winger leaving a befuddled Steven Taylor sprawled on the turf, and once again the finish was exemplary.
Newcastle salvaged some pride on 79 minutes when Faye scored from a corner, but only a minute later Wayne Rooney scored his second goal of the game, after Alan Smith's attempt at a clearance found its way to the feet of the England striker who curled his arching shot beyond the reach of Steve Harper to score another picture-book goal for the visitors.
Second-half substitute Louis Saha completed the rout when he combined with Rooney in the 90th minute to make it a thoroughly miserable day for Keegan and Newcastle fans.
However, for Manchester United supporters the Reds are now just three points behind leaders Arsenal and so it is very much game on.
It's doubtful that Newcastle will be relegated this season, but they have some tough looking games on the horizon. It remains to be seen if Keegan will ride out the current run of poor results and go on to turn it around, the defending against United today was pathetic at times and that is putting it mildly. Cheer up Kevin Keegan.
Newcastle v United: Arsenal leave door open for Red Devils....
Manchester United players and Fergie will no doubt have watched Birmingham City draw with Arsenal at St Andrews in game that finished 2-2. However, that result has been overshadowed by the news that Martin Taylor was sent-off for what Arsene Wenger later described as a 'horrendous' tackle on Eduardo which resulted in the Croatian striker suffering a badly broken leg. The Arsenal manager was so upset that he says Taylor should never play football again. SKY TV who were covering the game did not show a replay of incident, due to the severe nature of what was a very distressing injury. However, TV pundit Andy Gray took the view that Taylor had not gone out to 'do' the Arsenal striker. James McFadden opened the scoring with a first-half free-kick and in the 94th minute he rescued a point from the penalty spot after Clichy brought down Parnaby inside the box, in between McFadden's goals Walcott scored twice to give his side the lead.
As a result of Arsenal drawing the Red Devils are now six points behind the Gunners, but United can close the gap to just three points if they can heap yet more misery onto Kevin Keegan and Newcastle who are suffering their worst ever run of results in the Premier League. Manchester United have no new injury worries ahead of what is a very important match.
Fergie is likely to restore Tevez to his starting line-up, but the manager has much to ponder regarding who to select in midfield. In January the Reds thrashed Newcastle 6-0 and no doubting Keegan's team would 'love it' if they go on to dent United's title hopes by taking revenge for that hammering by winning at St James' Park later this evening.
As a result of Arsenal drawing the Red Devils are now six points behind the Gunners, but United can close the gap to just three points if they can heap yet more misery onto Kevin Keegan and Newcastle who are suffering their worst ever run of results in the Premier League. Manchester United have no new injury worries ahead of what is a very important match.
Fergie is likely to restore Tevez to his starting line-up, but the manager has much to ponder regarding who to select in midfield. In January the Reds thrashed Newcastle 6-0 and no doubting Keegan's team would 'love it' if they go on to dent United's title hopes by taking revenge for that hammering by winning at St James' Park later this evening.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Transfer links resurface as Fergie plays hardball over star deal...
The will he, wont he, contract saga of Wes Brown appears to be nowhere nearer coming to a happy conclusion. Brown has been at United since he was twelve years of age, but at 28 his next contract will be the most important of his playing career.
Wes has had a good season for United, filling in for injured skipper Gary Neville. However, if Brown doesn't sign that new deal he can leave as a free agent this coming summer, Newcastle have been linked to the England defender.
Brown has so far turned down two offers, the latest thought to be worth in the region of £40,000 a week, but that figure is believed to be well below what other senior professionals earn at the club. If we the fans are to believe what we read about the figures, then many supporters will no doubt have mixed feelings on a player of Brown's ability turning down that sort of money. It comes down to a question of worth for Fergie, as he will be surely consulted on such matters. On the flip side and given what other United players reportedly earn, then some fans will no doubt support Wes in his quest for parity over his wage demands.
The dilemma for the club is, it will cost them dearly to replace Brown and at 28 he's got at least another couple of seasons in him. Any expenditure to replace Wes could be better used elsewhere, like for the acquisition of a new striker.
No doubting out of sheer frustration Fergie has voiced his concerns about this latest contract impasse when blaming the player's agent: "Their agents live their lives for them and if you are happy to go along with that then you get the situation that you have got just now." Ouch.
Not surprisingly, United have been linked to several potential new right-backs, it has even been reported that Fergie has made inquiries about Bayern Munich's Philip Lahm and Willy Sagnol.
Although Lahm plays on the left, he predominantly uses his right-foot. However, as far as I'm aware United have never signed a full German international, and why would Lahm want to move to England? Added to which there has only been a handful of German players who have come to play in England at the highest level, I personally believe that it is unlikely that Lahm's name will be added to that short list this summer.
After recovering from a serious knee injury in 2007, Willy Sagnol has reportedly fallen out with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and there's talk that he could be heading out of the Bayern exit door. Of the two Bayern defenders who have been linked to United, Sagnol seems the more likely, but it would only be short-term given his age.
Many fans will be hoping that Wes signs that new deal and that he sees out his playing days at United, but given Fergie's comments, it seems that a compromise is starting to look unlikely.
Wes has had a good season for United, filling in for injured skipper Gary Neville. However, if Brown doesn't sign that new deal he can leave as a free agent this coming summer, Newcastle have been linked to the England defender.
Brown has so far turned down two offers, the latest thought to be worth in the region of £40,000 a week, but that figure is believed to be well below what other senior professionals earn at the club. If we the fans are to believe what we read about the figures, then many supporters will no doubt have mixed feelings on a player of Brown's ability turning down that sort of money. It comes down to a question of worth for Fergie, as he will be surely consulted on such matters. On the flip side and given what other United players reportedly earn, then some fans will no doubt support Wes in his quest for parity over his wage demands.
The dilemma for the club is, it will cost them dearly to replace Brown and at 28 he's got at least another couple of seasons in him. Any expenditure to replace Wes could be better used elsewhere, like for the acquisition of a new striker.
No doubting out of sheer frustration Fergie has voiced his concerns about this latest contract impasse when blaming the player's agent: "Their agents live their lives for them and if you are happy to go along with that then you get the situation that you have got just now." Ouch.
Not surprisingly, United have been linked to several potential new right-backs, it has even been reported that Fergie has made inquiries about Bayern Munich's Philip Lahm and Willy Sagnol.
Although Lahm plays on the left, he predominantly uses his right-foot. However, as far as I'm aware United have never signed a full German international, and why would Lahm want to move to England? Added to which there has only been a handful of German players who have come to play in England at the highest level, I personally believe that it is unlikely that Lahm's name will be added to that short list this summer.
After recovering from a serious knee injury in 2007, Willy Sagnol has reportedly fallen out with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and there's talk that he could be heading out of the Bayern exit door. Of the two Bayern defenders who have been linked to United, Sagnol seems the more likely, but it would only be short-term given his age.
Many fans will be hoping that Wes signs that new deal and that he sees out his playing days at United, but given Fergie's comments, it seems that a compromise is starting to look unlikely.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Transfer target lays down marker as Nani leads Red revival..
If there was any doubts about the class of Karim Benzema they were blown away in some style on 54 minutes when the Lyon striker scored a goal out of nothing, which ignited the atmosphere in the Stade de Gerland in the first leg of the knock-out stages of Manchester United's Champions League tie last night.
Benzema, 20, has been linked strongly to United over the last few days and not surprisingly given the manner of his goal against the Reds he has been described as Europe's hottest young striker.
Slightly uncharacteristically when talking to the media, Fergie has let it slip that the young Lyon star is a 'possibility' with United looking to sign a new striker following the departure of Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
United had been given fair warning of the French international's ability when mid-way through the first-half Lyon counter-attacked down the Reds exposed left-flank, the ball was eventually cut-back onto the edge of the United penalty area, but thankfully the big striker launched his drive over Van der Sarr's crossbar.
However, that wasn't the best chance of the first-half as United's very own pocket-battle-ship Wayne Rooney spurned a great opportunity to score when put through by Ryan Giggs. However, the England striker hesitated when running at speed with the ball before pulling the trigger, which resulted in Gregory Coupet pulling off a good save. That missed chance could have been proven to be very costly with Lyon taking that second-half lead.
Every time Benzema was on the ball, the home supporters sparked into life chanting his name and it was noticeable that the United defenders looked less that comfortable pretty much every time he was involved in the build-up, though in fairness apart from the Benzema goal and the first-half chance which he spurned Vidic and Company handled him reasonably well.
Despite the game being one of few chances, it was a decent match to watch, with both defences working hard when closing down, as early as the first few minutes Patrice Evra had to make a last-ditch diving challenge to deny Govou from six yards out. At the other end, Scholes burst into the penalty area only to be denied by a Lyon defender and that was the general pattern of the game. Every time United engineered an opening a Lyon player managed to block it.
When the Reds went one-nil down, it was fairly obvious that Fergie needed to make changes, both managers had started the game with a cautious line-up which included just one striker. For United, there was no starting place for Carlos Tevez or Nani, who was one of the Reds heroes against Arsenal in the FA Cup win on Saturday. However, on 65 minutes Fergie made two significant changes when he introduced both players when replacing Giggs and Scholes who had done ok without giving Lyon too many uncomfortable moments.
From the moment Tevez and Nani entered the action the Reds looked far more dangerous with Nani and Tevez at the heart of the Reds probing attacks. On 78 minutes, Carrick came on for Hargreaves, which led to a passage of untidy play with United giving the ball away cheaply, at which point the visiting fans must have started to think about taking Lyon back to Old Trafford with a one goal deficit.
However, United were not done with and it was Nani and Tevez who did the damage when combining to give the Reds a deserved equaliser on 88 minutes. Against the Gunners at the weekend Nani supplied two first-class crosses which led to goals for Fletcher and against Lyon the former Porto winger did it again, this time his arching ball from the right was initially missed by the head of Carlos Tevez, however, the ball eventually fell to Carrick, his effort was blocked, before it pinged back to Tevez who smashed it into the roof of the Lyon net.
The result leaves Fergie with much to ponder regarding selection issues ahead of United's next game, which is Newcastle away. Prior to the Lyon match and on live TV, the United manager as good as admitted that he did not know if he'd got his starting eleven right and while it was a cautious line-up it will be interesting to see who goes on to cement the starting places in midfield over the coming weeks ahead.
Ronaldo was kept in check and didn't impress against Lyon, the same can be said of Rooney, who to be fair was on his own up front, but if the Reds have serious ambitions of winning the Champions League this season, both will have to improve on last night's performance. The truly great players always figure in the big games, no matter what.
Another point that Fergie and his coaching staff may consider is how best to handle the likes of Benzema. Lyon had started with one lone striker, yet United had four at the back. United play with a zonal defence, perhaps they should consider going man-to-man with Vidic marking Benzema.
United's man of the match against Lyon was Nani who made the difference in a short space of time.
Benzema, 20, has been linked strongly to United over the last few days and not surprisingly given the manner of his goal against the Reds he has been described as Europe's hottest young striker.
Slightly uncharacteristically when talking to the media, Fergie has let it slip that the young Lyon star is a 'possibility' with United looking to sign a new striker following the departure of Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
United had been given fair warning of the French international's ability when mid-way through the first-half Lyon counter-attacked down the Reds exposed left-flank, the ball was eventually cut-back onto the edge of the United penalty area, but thankfully the big striker launched his drive over Van der Sarr's crossbar.
However, that wasn't the best chance of the first-half as United's very own pocket-battle-ship Wayne Rooney spurned a great opportunity to score when put through by Ryan Giggs. However, the England striker hesitated when running at speed with the ball before pulling the trigger, which resulted in Gregory Coupet pulling off a good save. That missed chance could have been proven to be very costly with Lyon taking that second-half lead.
Every time Benzema was on the ball, the home supporters sparked into life chanting his name and it was noticeable that the United defenders looked less that comfortable pretty much every time he was involved in the build-up, though in fairness apart from the Benzema goal and the first-half chance which he spurned Vidic and Company handled him reasonably well.
Despite the game being one of few chances, it was a decent match to watch, with both defences working hard when closing down, as early as the first few minutes Patrice Evra had to make a last-ditch diving challenge to deny Govou from six yards out. At the other end, Scholes burst into the penalty area only to be denied by a Lyon defender and that was the general pattern of the game. Every time United engineered an opening a Lyon player managed to block it.
When the Reds went one-nil down, it was fairly obvious that Fergie needed to make changes, both managers had started the game with a cautious line-up which included just one striker. For United, there was no starting place for Carlos Tevez or Nani, who was one of the Reds heroes against Arsenal in the FA Cup win on Saturday. However, on 65 minutes Fergie made two significant changes when he introduced both players when replacing Giggs and Scholes who had done ok without giving Lyon too many uncomfortable moments.
From the moment Tevez and Nani entered the action the Reds looked far more dangerous with Nani and Tevez at the heart of the Reds probing attacks. On 78 minutes, Carrick came on for Hargreaves, which led to a passage of untidy play with United giving the ball away cheaply, at which point the visiting fans must have started to think about taking Lyon back to Old Trafford with a one goal deficit.
However, United were not done with and it was Nani and Tevez who did the damage when combining to give the Reds a deserved equaliser on 88 minutes. Against the Gunners at the weekend Nani supplied two first-class crosses which led to goals for Fletcher and against Lyon the former Porto winger did it again, this time his arching ball from the right was initially missed by the head of Carlos Tevez, however, the ball eventually fell to Carrick, his effort was blocked, before it pinged back to Tevez who smashed it into the roof of the Lyon net.
The result leaves Fergie with much to ponder regarding selection issues ahead of United's next game, which is Newcastle away. Prior to the Lyon match and on live TV, the United manager as good as admitted that he did not know if he'd got his starting eleven right and while it was a cautious line-up it will be interesting to see who goes on to cement the starting places in midfield over the coming weeks ahead.
Ronaldo was kept in check and didn't impress against Lyon, the same can be said of Rooney, who to be fair was on his own up front, but if the Reds have serious ambitions of winning the Champions League this season, both will have to improve on last night's performance. The truly great players always figure in the big games, no matter what.
Another point that Fergie and his coaching staff may consider is how best to handle the likes of Benzema. Lyon had started with one lone striker, yet United had four at the back. United play with a zonal defence, perhaps they should consider going man-to-man with Vidic marking Benzema.
United's man of the match against Lyon was Nani who made the difference in a short space of time.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lyon v United preview: It is time for United and Fergie to deliver....
Ahead of United's massive Champions League away tie with Lyon, Fergie has been lavishing praise on Ryan Giggs who is set for his 100th European game for the Red Devils; it's a remarkable achievement for Giggsy. The former Welsh international has had some great games for United in the Champions League, scoring some very important goals down the years. However, like Paul Scholes, he has also had some games to forget in the latter stages of the competition.
United fans won’t need reminding that the Reds Champions League record is largely one of under achievement. On too many previous occasions United have let themselves down badly when losing to the likes of: Porto (2004); Bayer Leverkusen (2002); Monaco (1998); Dortmund (1997) and Galatasaray (1994); The results of those ties will forever be a stain on Ferguson's European record, no matter even if he goes on to win the trophy before he eventually retires, because without exception United should have won those ties.
As for Lyon, United go into the game on the back of a thumping victory over rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend and that confidence boosting performance against the Gunners was just what the Reds needed ahead of arguably their biggest test to date this season.
Lyon have several players who can hurt United, including their captain Juninho from free-kicks, but most notably Karim Benzema who has been attracting interest from Fergie and many other leading managers around Europe. Hatem Ben Arfa is another who has been linked to the Reds recently.
Many United fans believe that one of the major factors behind the Reds failings in the Champions League is Ferguson's lack of tactical nouse. And once again, it remains to be seen what the manager will do this evening where tactics and selection issues are concerned. Will Fergie play with just Rooney up front as he did against Arsenal? Will the manager sacrifice the legs of Hargreaves or Anderson for the football brain of Scholes? If Tevez, Giggs and Nani are left on the bench, there is the option of including Anderson, Hargreaves and Scholes with Rooney being supported by the likes of Ronaldo, Scholes and Anderson. Given United's devil may care attacking traditions, it is vital that United do not leave themselves wide open to the counter-attack and therefore surely Hargreaves must start this match.
Fergie has many options, but it is vital that he gets it right, because like in so many recent seasons the Champions League is there to be won and United, at least on paper, have as good a chance as any of the remaining clubs. It is time to deliver...
United fans won’t need reminding that the Reds Champions League record is largely one of under achievement. On too many previous occasions United have let themselves down badly when losing to the likes of: Porto (2004); Bayer Leverkusen (2002); Monaco (1998); Dortmund (1997) and Galatasaray (1994); The results of those ties will forever be a stain on Ferguson's European record, no matter even if he goes on to win the trophy before he eventually retires, because without exception United should have won those ties.
As for Lyon, United go into the game on the back of a thumping victory over rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend and that confidence boosting performance against the Gunners was just what the Reds needed ahead of arguably their biggest test to date this season.
Lyon have several players who can hurt United, including their captain Juninho from free-kicks, but most notably Karim Benzema who has been attracting interest from Fergie and many other leading managers around Europe. Hatem Ben Arfa is another who has been linked to the Reds recently.
Many United fans believe that one of the major factors behind the Reds failings in the Champions League is Ferguson's lack of tactical nouse. And once again, it remains to be seen what the manager will do this evening where tactics and selection issues are concerned. Will Fergie play with just Rooney up front as he did against Arsenal? Will the manager sacrifice the legs of Hargreaves or Anderson for the football brain of Scholes? If Tevez, Giggs and Nani are left on the bench, there is the option of including Anderson, Hargreaves and Scholes with Rooney being supported by the likes of Ronaldo, Scholes and Anderson. Given United's devil may care attacking traditions, it is vital that United do not leave themselves wide open to the counter-attack and therefore surely Hargreaves must start this match.
Fergie has many options, but it is vital that he gets it right, because like in so many recent seasons the Champions League is there to be won and United, at least on paper, have as good a chance as any of the remaining clubs. It is time to deliver...
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