Champions League preview: Manchester United v Rangers
It’s not often that Sir Alex Ferguson attracts criticism for his team selection, but after Manchester United conceded two late goals against Everton on Saturday, it was inevitable that his controversial decision to leave out Wayne Rooney would come under close scrutiny.
Despite suggestions that the England striker had been omitted because of recent lurid newspaper headlines, Ferguson was adamant that his decision was based solely on the fact that Rooney endures “terrible abuse” whenever he plays at Goodison Park.
And so, yesterday morning at Carrington, all eyes were on the under-fire Rooney as Manchester United finalised preparations for their opening Champions League clash of the season against Rangers.
The England international is expected to spearhead United’s attack this evening. Ferguson stated in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon that he expects a performance from his prized asset, and few would back against Rooney delivering.
European clashes between English and Scottish sides are always matches to savour, and the connections between United and Rangers are numerous. Not least because of the fact that Ferguson used to play for the Scottish outfit and grew up just a stone’s throw away from Ibrox.
Rangers manager Walter Smith worked as Ferguson’s No.2 at Old Trafford for several months during the 2003/04 season, and both hugely-experienced tacticians have enjoyed stints with the Scotland national team.
But Ferguson will have little time for niceties or sentiment after watching his side throw away two precious league points against Fulham last month, and then a further two points against Everton at the weekend. The United boss won’t accept any further lapses in concentration from his players, and only a convincing victory and a clean sheet will satisfy the 68-year-old Scot.
As for Rangers, they know that making it tough for United will be the only way to escape Manchester with a favourable result. Back in 2007, Spanish heavyweights Barcelona were left stifled by the SPL outfit in the Champions League group stages, and were accused of playing “anti-football” by the mercurial Lionel Messi.
But despite the accusations and name calling, the most crucial thing for Rangers was that their tactics paid off on the night. Veteran captain David Weir has acknowledged that in order to avoid defeat at Old Trafford this evening similar tactics must be utilised, and called on his teammates to “make it as difficult as possible for Manchester United”.
European nights at Old Trafford often produce memorable occasions, but the group stages tend to be seen as little more than a formality these days. United have failed to reach the knockout stages of Europe’s most prestigious club competition just once in the last 10 years, and are the overwhelming favourites against the SPL joint-leaders.
However, with four wins from their opening four league matches, the Gers come into tonight’s European encounter in typically-impressive domestic form. Rangers can also thank the Premier League fixture generator for pairing United up with fierce rivals Liverpool this Sunday afternoon.
Because of their next league clash, it’s expected that United will field several fringe players this evening. Rio Ferdinand could make his first appearance since suffering a knee injury in South Africa this summer, while the likes of Darron Gibson and Park Ji-Sung are also in line for a call-up.
Ferguson will be reluctant to leave Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, though, after his impressive start to the campaign. The Bulgarian striker scored a sublime goal against Everton on Saturday – his third of the season.
As a result, Berbatov could partner Rooney in a traditional 4-4-2, instead of the 4-3-3 which United tend to deploy in the Champions League.
Like the Bulgarian, Rangers striker Kenny Miller has also started the season in fine form. The 30-year-old has scored six goals in the club’s first four league matches and is expected to start as a lone-striker against Manchester United.
Although Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić have had to contend with more revered strikers in the past, Miller has previously made the Red Devils suffer. Back in 2004, Miller hit the only goal of the match as Wolves beat Ferguson’s side 1-0. How he would love to repeat history six years later.
With the emphasis on defending resolutely, Rangers will aim to frustrate their opponents. But with home advantage and talent throughout the squad, United’s quality should shine through.
Getting back to winning ways ahead of the Liverpool clash is now imperative in Ferguson’s eyes.
And a comprehensive victory over his boyhood club will be enough to convince the United boss that his side are back on track.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 Rangers 0
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