UEFA Champions League: Manchester United Vs Glasgow Rangers (Half-time Report)
Score-line 0-0
Starting Line up for Manchester United: Tom Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Fabio, Antonio Valencia, Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Ji-Sung Park, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez
Subs: Edwin Van der Sar, Johnny Evans, John O'Shea, James Anderson, Ryan Giggs, Micahel Owen, Macheda.
Starting Line up for Glasgow Rangers: Allan McGregor, Kirk Broadfoot, David Weir, Madjid Bougherra, Sasa Papac, Steven Whittaker, Lee McCulloch, Maurice Edu, Steven Davis, Steven Naismith, Kenny Miller.
Subs: Alexander, Lafferty, Beattie, Weiss, Little, Hutton, Foster
In what was their first UEFA Champions league match of the season, Manchester United hosted Scottish Champions Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford. Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson chose a rather peculiar starting line up for this all important encounter, as there were as many as 10 adjustments to his the side that travelled to Goodison Park on the weekend. Newly signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez was given his first Champions league start along with Wayne Rooney- who was completely omitted from the side which drew at Everton.
Rangers have employed a 4-5-1 as they are away to Old Trafford, with Miller taking the front line. Former Everton player David Weis, who turned 40 only last week, would be expected to control the pace of Javier Hernandez, a player who was labelled the fastest player of this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.
As expected, United dominated the earlier proceedings. A younger but very talented midfield, featuring the likes of Darren Gibson and Fletcher in the mid took charge of things. United fans were delighted to see the return of English Captain Rio Ferdinand, who has successfully recovered from his knee concerns that thwarted his hopes of leading the Three Lions in the World Cup. While training for the tournament, Ferdinand met a hard tackle by fellow colleague Emile Heskey, which ended his World Cup campaign. Newly signed former Fulham centre back Chris Smalling partnered Ferdinand in defence with youngster Rafael on the right wing. Returning English International Wes Brown took the charge on the left wing.
On the 41st minute, Wayne Rooney pulled up his ankle while trying to cover a defender. The player unexpectedly twisted his ankle but seems to be alright following the twist. It can be expected that he may well be substituted by the manager in order to prevent further injury. Ranger’s goalkeeper was booked for time wasting just before the break as a lot of desperation is shown by the visiting side.
At half time, the score are level and the home side would be looking to break through from the holes in defence to secure a home victory. Ferguson and his medical staff would be looking to assess the condition of Wayne Rooney and a substitution can be expected any time soon to replace the troubled English International.
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