Date: 30th March 2010 at 5:45pm
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Bayern Munich vs Manchester United (Leg 1) 30.03.10  K.O 7.45

The drama of that famous night in Barcelona back in the treble winning season of 1999 when the two S’s – Sheringham and Solskjaer won Sir Alex Ferguson the European Cup for the first time, lives long in the memory. 11 years on and the two footballing giants meet again. It’s England vs Germany, Ferguson vs Van Gaal – two grandfathers of the game who over the two encounters will be looking to out think the other in their quest for victory.

Bayern Munich host Manchester United at the Alianz Arena on Tuesday evening with both teams hoping to reach the end of 90 minutes in a good position going into the second leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday week. United will attack as they do in every game in search of that priceless away goal which will ease the pressure on Fergie’s men come the second leg. If they get the job done away from home, Sir Alex could also have the option of resting key men for the weekends crunch title decider with Chelsea.

Munich manager Luis Van Gaal clearly had United in mind as he rested key players which included placing Arjen Robben on the bench in Bayern’s 2-1 loss at home to Stuttgart at the weekend. However, Robben did take to the pitch and picked up a calf injury making him a major doubt for Tuesday’s encounter. Frank Ribery is also reported to be a doubt for the game. If Robben and Ribery fail to pass respective fitness tests, it will be a huge boost to United and consequently a huge blow to Bayern’s chances of progressing. Regarding Robben’s condition, manager Luis Van Gaal admitted:

“We need a player like Robben against Manchester United but if he is not 100%, he doesn’t play,”

United on the other hand, have some positive news in that both Rio Ferdinand and the man that opposition defences fear at the moment Wayne Rooney have both travelled with the squad and are expected to start the game after missing the 4-0 win over Bolton on Saturday. United have not lost away from home in the Champions League since 2007 and now feel comfortable in a 4-5-1 formation that allows them to get plenty of men behind the ball, yet counter attack with pace. United’s defensive line and centre midfield picks itself, but Sir Alex has to decide who supports Wayne Rooney. He has to choose two between Valencia, Nani, Giggs and Park, with the latter regularly being picked for the big games. Bayern, who have conceded goals in each of their last 5 matches, will more than likely go with their common 4-4-2 formation.

The key to United unlocking the Bayern defence will no doubt be down to Wayne Rooney and the Bayern captain Mark Van Bommel admits they are wary of his presence:

“It will not be easy to deal with Rooney because he is such a good player.”

On paper, United will be favourites; however it’s clear to see that the Champions need to be wary of Bayern’s main weapon, their two wingers – Robben and Ribery. Both men have impressed this season with their blistering pace and ability to score goals from each flank. If Ribery, who is rumoured to be on Sir Alex’s summer wish list, does make the starting 11 he could trouble either Gary Neville due to the veterans lack of pace or young Rafael who is a little naive in his play.

Sir Alex Ferguson has won two Champions League titles, having reached the final in successive seasons, but still feels that tally can be improved. Ahead of United’s trip to Germany, it’s important to know that the Reds have only one victory in seven games against the German giants, who have four Champions League trophies to United’s three.

This is a pivotal week. The result against Bayern along with Saturday’s clash with Chelsea could make or break United’s season. However, with the prospect of Lyon or Bordeaux waiting in the semi-final, this first leg tie offers the biggest hurdle to United making it to three finals in a row come May.

 

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