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Having built a formidable 12-point lead in the English Premier League, Manchester United now travel to Spain to take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in a fixture that the ‘world is waiting for’. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have all but folded in the title race for the Spanish league, with a virtually insurmountable 16 point gap separating them from league leaders Barcelona. Thus, their undivided attention shall be on this game, being played a decade after the original thriller, but promising the same, if not greater, entertainment than on that occasion. While it is a quest for a record-extending tenth European crown for the giants from Madrid, the Red Devils are looking to claim their fourth European triumph. In order to do that though, they shall first need to surpass Jose Mourinho’s men who will be friends only off the pitch. Here are five things that may help United on their way.
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The Japanese playmaker, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has been just what the doctor ordered for United, especially in the attacking third of the pitch. While injury might have prevented his season from taking off as well as it could have, his contributions have not gone unnoticed and have garnered much critical acclaim. Delicate interplay is his forte, and the bane of the Madrid defence, making him prime choice for selection by Sir Alex Ferguson. In addition, he has two assists to his name from two games in the Champions League this season, proving his effectiveness, which sometimes goes unnoticed by the fans. A secret weapon of sorts then, for United.
In Sunday’s fixture against Everton, Marouane Fellaini was expected to cause all sorts of problems for United’s defence, especially with the kind of form he has been in this season. Enter Phil Jones, and the threat was almost entirely neutralised as the Englishman kept the Belgian quiet all game, playing in a defensive midfield position in front of the back four of United. Against Real Madrid, United face a similar threat from Mesut Ozil, who may be a different type of player than Fellaini, but is an equal threat. Thus, playing young Jones for a second game in four days may prove to be a good move for the English side.
Opinions are still divided over David De Gea, and in spite of the young ‘keeper managing a good performance over the weekend, it was just his fifth clean sheet of the season. This has mainly been due to the Spaniard’s indecisive clearances from attempts and crosses into the box. A mistimed punch here and an ineffective deflection there have shaken more than just the fans’ faith in his abilities, in spite of him being one of the best shot stoppers in the English league. Thus, with the likes of Ronaldo and Benzema on the pitch, who do not need to be asked twice to make an effort on goal, it would perhaps be wise for the defenders to not back away too much, and to close down Madrid quickly, especially around the shooting range.
In spite of having made just 5 league starts this season, Javier Hernandez has managed to score 8 goals, mainly from his 9 substitute appearances. Having one of the fastest pairs of feet in the world, the Mexican star is a threat to any defence with his style of playing off the shoulder of the last defender. Against the tiring legs of Pepe and Ramos, he could create a few opportunities either directly at goal for himself, or by winning free kicks in some real fortuitous areas. After all, there is a reason he is United’s joint top-scorer in the Champions League this season.
While the result of the game is of utmost importance, Manchester United will also have a secret agenda at hand of engineering a move back to Old Trafford for the Portuguese superstar. While it may be wishful thinking on part of this author, there has been more than one indication by Ronaldo himself that he wants to return to United one day. From the point of view of the fans, the sooner the better, and with the rumours of his dissatisfaction at Madrid having barely subsided, what better time than this to remind dear Ronnie of where he truly belongs. A couple of dogged runs from Rooney, a swivel and finish from Robin van Persie, a late comeback win typical of United; one never knows how much influence any of these may have on Ronaldo. Whether the cash can be stumped up or not, however, is something too far ahead to think of.
