The Real Test at Old Trafford

The Real Test at Old Trafford

It’s fast approaching time to kick off for the second leg of the epic clash between Man United and Real Madrid. The days, the hours, the minutes have counted down from the moment Felix Brych blew the full time whistle in the Santiago Bernabeu. The game is on a knife edge at 1-1. While we have the all important away goal to take back with us, Madrid’s attacking line up is quite capable of scoring twice at Old Trafford.  They have since played themselves back into form thrashing Barcelona 1-3 in the Camp Nou. This bullish performance on Barcelona's own turf gave a clear indication to the on looking Sir Alex that Madrid will come to Old Trafford in full confidence. The challenge that lies ahead of us is not to beat nine time European Cup winners Real Madrid. The challenge is to progress to the quarter finals of the Champions League. The two sentences will get mistaken for a contradiction. The point I am making though is that United shouldn't play to the occasion but instead play the football match, and the football match demands that we stop Madrid's counter attack.   

Madrid is very dangerous on the counter attack. Just as in the first leg it will be important to concede possession in return for getting bodies behind the ball, allowing us to launch our own counter attacks. The starting line up will be interesting. In my opinion our central midfield should consist of Carrick, Cleverley, & Rooney. Back in 2011 champions league season I recall Rooney playing a Paul Scholes type of role in Midfield against Chelsea in the return leg, distributing the ball across midfield. If Danny Welbeck & Nani get tasked with wide roles and Van Persie is upfront, Man United's counter attacks can be fast and effective. 

It is likely that it will be either Nani or Valencia taking up Right Midfield however their job on the night will be to track back as well as be ready to counter attack. If Phil Jones does not make the starting XI then Cleverly and Carrick will divide the pitch in half and track the movements of Ronaldo in and around the box as Jones did in the first leg. It will be interesting to see how we plan on progressing. A balance between a organised defence/midfield and fastpace attack will give us a good opportunity.

The 12^th man on the night will no doubt be the Old Trafford crowd. Get your banners and scarves on the ready. Constant singing throughout is required. Stand up and watch the game contrary to what the stewards say. Jeer & cheer, kick every ball, shout & scream for every decision. Let’s get Old Trafford rocking.