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Come this Valentine’s day, we will get an opportunity to see the love and romance between the two greatest and most popular clubs on Earth – England‘s elite, the Red Devils versus the Spanish clout of “Los Blancos“. Real Madrid’s manager Jose Mourinho was quoted as saying recently that “it’s a match that the world is waiting for”. There is not a shadow of a doubt that out of all the fixtures in Champions League, this one is gearing up to be the “numero uno” battle. United or Madrid? Van Persie or Ronaldo? What is going to decide the fate of this monumental battle? Here, are those 5 major factors that one needs to consider before turning on the television sets at midnight IST on Valentine’s Day.
5. Midfield Domination : The heart of this war
The role of Michael Carrick and Xabi Alonso will be one of the most exciting one to see. Mourinho can also rely on German international Sami Khedira and one of the best players currently in Spain – Mesut Ozil. The amount of assists and goal-scoring chances that the German sensation “Ozil” has created is remarkable. He is famously known for his vision and clarity, along with blistering pace. So, does that mean Sir Alex needs to worry? Yes and No! Michael Carrick, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley are the masters of their position. If they play to their potential, then Jose Mourinho may see his side being pushed away in both the legs of this mouth-watering clash.
4.Guardhouse: Spanish stoppers
Manchester United has a Spanish connection when it comes to deciding their number one. A former Atletico Madrid keeper who has found a name in Manchester, David de Gea hails from Spain. Due to Iker Casillas’ injury, Mourinho will play his new recruit Diego Lopez ahead of Adan. When the exploits of Ronaldo, Van Persie, Rooney and Ozil will come to play, it will be interesting to have a glance over both the Spanish keepers. David de Gea has the potential to stop balls from any range , while Diego Lopez has proved in his clash against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey first leg that he is no mug with the gloves. So, in this intense, action-packed match, who will prevail? This factor will count for a lot of things in this explosive fixture.
3.The Last Man Standing: X- Factor
Real Madrid and Manchester United, both possess star power, but when it comes to picking the best, Real Madrid have one of the best players in the world in 2008 Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Manchester United, on the other hand, have the famous Dutchman who “scores when he wants”. Yes, he goes by the name of Robin van Persie. One promising thing about this battle is the dominance of both teams’ leaders -Ronaldo and van Persie. They can score out of nothing, and can decide the fate of this key fixture. They are the ones who will create havoc both inside and outside the box, will take the long walk for freekicks, and may even score the hattricks. The question remains – Who will be the last man standing?
2. The Last Line – “Keep Calm and Have Trust in us”
One major factor that can easily swing in either team’s favour is the role played by their defenders. Real Madrid and Manchester United have struggled to keep clean sheets in their respective leagues this season. However, the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and the new-found talent Varane, will surely be capable of frustating United’s offence. The same can be said about United, who have conceded in almost all their games this season. However, when it comes to big-match situations, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and United’s heart and soul Nemanja Vidic will bring their best in front of Spain’s elite. The fans of both the sides have huge faith in their backlines, and that is one reason why we may also see scores likes 0-0 or 1-1 at the end of both ties. However, one mistake can cost them everything.
1. Best Entrepreneurs- Last word by super tacticians
The world’s best manager Sir Alex Ferguson comes face-to-face with his old foe and “Special One” Jose Mourinho, who could also be called as the next best to Sir Alex. Sir Alex has already said that Mourinho can manage anywhere and bring laurels to that club. On the other hand, Mourinho has the same high level of regard for the Scottish veteran. Super substitutions, the best eleven, final words before the match, and half-time talks, are the areas where these two can create magic and instill immense confidence in dejected souls.
You have world-class players, match-winners, the best defenders, the best forwards, the best fixture, in the presence of two of the best tacticians. One of these giants will be in the quarterfinals, and the reason behind their success will surely be credited to one of these entrepreneurs.
