It will be a mouth–watering clash between the two enormously successful teams, as well as an encounter in which the Red Devils fans are largely expecting to win. Manchester United and Rangers, both hold brilliant positions in their domestic leagues, the
English Premier League and Scottish Premier League respectively, with the Scots being on top of their table and the Red Devils trailing behind current leaders Chelsea by a goal difference of only six.
Ex-Liverpool footballer, Phil Thompson talked about his time as a player when he faced other Scottish giants, Celtic, remembering the atmosphere as “superb” and the occasion as “fantastic.” He further added that he expected the Champions League clash between
the English and Scottish to have the same competitive atmosphere about it. A previous Champions League match between United and Rangers was played in the season of 2003-04. From that time, only a single Rangers player remains in the current Scottish squad,
namely Allan McGregor.
All eyes will be on Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney ahead of the match. In a press conference prior to the Champions League fixture, Sir Alex publicly advised his team that “it is time to wake up.” This may seem as particularly harsh, considering that
United have not lost a single game this season so far.
Alex Ferguson is known for giving the ‘hair-dryer’ treatment when his squad are not up to par and critics argue that the Red Devils despite their brilliant record so far, have failed to show consistency and struggled after drawing seven out of fourteen Barclays
Premier League games.
Ferguson did not seem worried though, as he has established the fact that he has the utmost faith in his team and understands that he is dealing with players that possess the same ambition and drive as the senior Scotsman himself. “They are people who
are prepared to do something about the situation,” said the Manchester United manager, after explaining his team’s erratic performance of late.
Birmingham manager McLeish claims Sir Alex “Still has a soft spot for Rangers after all these years” and that
“He loves walking into Ibrox (the Rangers’ Stadium) and being inside.” McLeish was referring to the Champions League match seven years ago which United won 1-0 against the Gers.
The “Daily Mirror” reports that McLeish explained how Ferguson turned down the opportunity to manage the Scottish giants, Rangers, and made it clear that at the time, Sir Alex had his eyes set firmly on being the Manchester United boss and in the process
turning down the opportunity to manage Tottenham and Arsenal.
Rangers, who sit on third position in the Group C table, managed to draw against United in their last fixture. If the Red Devils walk away with a win, the Rangers will book a place in the Europa League next year and may have to come to terms with that soon,
as they have won only one of their previous 14 UEFA Champions League fixtures this season against Bursaspor.
Ferguson’s men are sailing in a different boat, as they will just need a draw to progress to the next level. The statistics favour United, as they have won eight out of nine away matches in the UEFA league this season and have succumbed to defeat on only
one occasion out of seven when facing Scottish Premier League teams.
Ranger’s Sasa Papac could make a start for his team, despite struggling with fitness. The Rangers list of injuries include Madjid Bougherra who has a hamstring problem, Maurice Edu with an injured knee, James Beattie who is suffering from a hip and thigh
problem and Andy Webster who has a groin injury.
Ferdinand and Vidic will not be making the trip as they are being rested, their replacements are said to be Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans. Fans will be eager to see Wayne Rooney play again after his injury problems and the English international could start,
after playing as a substitute in the Premier League this weekend. Gibson, Hargreaves, Owen and Neville are all doubtful for the clash, but Berbatov may start for the Red Devils after being rested for the weekend Premier League game.
Tags: