[Legend killer]

Where????

[Brother Leon]

As one of the midfield 3,most likely. As much as I would like a Nani,Kag,RVP & Rooney attack we have to be weary ourselves.

[Legend killer]

If I see Young or Tony ahead of Nani I will be fuken furious. There seems to be this view that Nani does not work hard defensively when in fact he works just as hard as Young or Tony. The difference being our interchange going forward is 100XX better then that with either of the other 2 and he can actually beat a man

DE GEA
RAF VIDIC RIO EVRA
NANI CLEV CARRICK KAGAWA
ROONEY
RVP

Feel bad leaving Evans out and it IS VERY close between him and Rio. Also if/when Kag or nani come off Giggs should be ahead of BOTH tony and young on the wing which is PATHETIC tbh and shows how bad Young and Tony are. Would swap Ando for Clev after 65mins to add that bit of bite going forward

AND AWAY GOAL IS A MUST we don't want a bloody repeat of that PATHETIC showing at the Etihad last year where Fergie was more concerned on not losing the game rather then winning it

[Brother Leon]

Raf and Nani won't handle Ronaldo and Marcelo. Vice Versa though. Probably going to be decided on that flank. Tbh, Di Maria & Arbeloa can be got at aswell. It's a shame Young is out. He's been great in the tough away games on the break, which is how we will play.

[Legend killer]

You do realise Ronaldo does not play down the wing right????? Guy may spend 15% of the whole match in a wide area so there is no point in worrying about picking wingers who will help cover him and let's just hope it's down Raf's side and not Paddy's. As for Young don't get me started on that waste of space 18 mil SMHFH

If Tony starts tomorrow expect us to lose he OFFERS ZERO going forward and if you plan on playing a counter attacking game he will **** that up too with his constant stopping and starting letting players catch up to him

[Ryan57]

Valencia hasn't been the same player this season. I'm thinking the rumour back last year of him having a back injury could be true.

I highly doubt Nani will play. I think it'll be similar to the Spurs game a few weeks back.

[Legend killer]

If jones is fit it will be exactly the same as the Spurs game Fergie has been plotting his tactics for this game for a while now

[bbfan1991]

Real is the perfect test

Champions League ties don’t come bigger than United against Real Madrid and, according to Peter Schmeichel, they don’t come any better for the Reds.



While Jose Mourinho’s star-studded La Liga champions cast an imposing spectre, former Reds stopper Schmeichel expects United to be galvanised by the challenge, rather than daunted by it.

“It’s probably the best draw we could have got,” the Dane told ManUtd.com. “I’d far rather we be drawn against Real Madrid than Shakhtar Donetsk; at least this way nobody is in any doubt of exactly how good our opponents are.

“It’s as tough a game as you can get, and I’ve always felt that we’re much better against stronger teams. Certainly our results so far this season have shown that, and they should provide plenty of cause for confidence.”

United travel to Madrid on Tuesday assured of returning to a 12 point lead at the head of the Barclays Premier League table and an FA Cup fifth round tie with Reading.

Schmeichel feels that, having plugged a defence which had been porous throughout the opening months of the campaign, the invariably attack-minded Reds are perfectly primed for one of the season’s toughest opponents to date.

“While we’ve definitely improved our defending recently, we’re playing to score goals, and we know that whoever we play against we’re going to make chances and score,” he said.

“I’m very optimistic. We go into this game knowing how hard it will be against Real Madrid, but also knowing that we can beat them – and if we manage that then it doesn’t matter who we get in the quarter finals, because there’s no cause to fear anybody after that.”

[bbfan1991]

Ando will enjoy Real test

Anderson says a combination of concentration and enjoyment will be vital to Manchester United’s mentality in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.



The Reds touched down in Spain on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the first-leg clash in the pick of the last 16 ties. But while the Brazilian midfielder insists that the players are fully focused on the task in hand, he adds that it is just as important to enjoy an occasion as big as Wednesday night.

“These are the games you want to play in. We know we have to be very focused but it’s also important to enjoy games like this,” he told ManUtd.com.

“It will be a hard game. Of course, Madrid are a big team but we are a big team too, with quality players and experienced players. We are playing well and looking forward to it.

“Concentration is going to be very important. Everyone knows it’s not a normal game – it’s a big match – but you have to try
and play your normal football and work hard together as a team. Hopefully we can come back with a good result and finish the job at Old Trafford.”

Of course, Wednesday’s meeting will see a reunion with Anderson’s close friend Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian says the pair remain in regular contact but maintains football will come before friendship come kick-off.

“I talk a lot with Cristiano, but not just him. Pepe is my friend too, we played in Portugal together. We are all great friends, but when you step out on the pitch no-one is friends because we all want to win!”

[bbfan1991]

Rafael prepared for Ronaldo

Rafael hopes he is perfectly prepared for the likely assignment of keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.



Sir Alex Ferguson hinted some time ago that he would pin his faith in the Brazilian to keep Ronaldo in check, which may seem a tall order considering the former United favourite's current form.

However, Rafael has been impressing all term and was the outstanding player in Sunday's 2-0 victory against Everton, while also managing to stifle man-of-the-moment Gareth Bale during the recent draw at Tottenham.

Not only will these factors give confidence to the South American but he has also stressed that Ronaldo is not an unknown quantity after coming up against him in training many times at Carrington.

When asked by United Review about Bale, Rafael replied: "He’s quick. I have to say that he is very quick! If you concentrate, and that’s the key word, and read the game, it helps.

"It’s important because he’s quicker than me, even though I am quick as well. Sometimes if you can read the ball before it gets to him, it can be effective."

In terms of whether marking Bale could be seen as good practice for coming face-to-face with Ronaldo, he said: "Of course. They are both very quick but maybe they are just different. Ronaldo is right-footed and plays a different type of game. He can come inside and shoot with power but both of them are tough players to come up against.

"I think I know Ronaldo as I trained with him. I know what he can do because I played and trained with him a lot. So he’s not the type of opponent where you would say he is good but I don’t know what he can do. I know what he can do. I trained with him so, yes, it could be a help.

"To be honest, he helped me a lot when I arrived here. He took me aside and helped me outside of the pitch a lot because I did not speak English very well and obviously he is Portuguese.

"For me, he’s the best player in the world. I think he is the complete player and I really like him. I think he is the number one."

Good luck tonight Rafael in trying to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.

[bbfan1991]

Madrid will miss Casillas

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is ready to renew his rivalry with Real Madrid - albeit without a familiar face at the opposite end of the Bernabeu.



Real's legendary number one Iker Casillas will miss Wednesday's Champions League match after suffering a fracture in his left hand and De Gea admitted it's a significant piece of team news when asked about it at United's pre-match press conference.

"Every time Iker Casillas is not there, he is a great loss," said De Gea, a former servant of Real's local rivals Atletico Madrid.

"It is a great loss because he is the captain of Real Madrid and Spain. But Real have two other keepers who can play as well as Casillas does."

When Casillas came off with the injury, early in last month's Copa del Rey match at Valencia, he was replaced by substitute keeper Antonio Adan. But Jose Mourinho has since signed the more experienced Diego Lopez, who began his career at Real and was in goal when Los Blancos beat Sevilla 4-1 at the weekend.

Ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in that game, as De Gea is acutely aware.

"Everyone knows how well he can play and it is very hard to save his shots," said De Gea. "No-one can hit shots like him. But we will do everything in our power to contain him."

When asked about his own form in this, his second season in England, the Reds' number one said: "Of course, when you arrive at a new club it is normal there will be some low points. It is important to improve and I am now much better than when I first arrived at United."

Speaking at the same press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson praised De Gea's progress. "David has shown his character because he has taken a lot of criticism, sometimes unfair criticism.

"But what we at United are good at is developing people, bit by bit. It's like a young child learning to walk. He moves forward, he wobbles. He gets up, wobbles, gets up again and now he's walking."

In David We Trust.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: We can rule Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United can win the Champions League this season - if the Reds can next knock out one of the favourites in Real Madrid.



The runaway leaders of the English league lined up Wednesday's clash with the Spanish champions by racing through the group stage, qualifying well before Christmas with a couple of games to spare. Sir Alex's men have since demonstrated their powers on the domestic stage, going 12 points clear of Manchester City in the table and marching into the last 16 of the FA Cup.

"Our team is capable of winning the Champions League," said Sir Alex at a pre-match press conference in Madrid. "There is a great spirit about the players.

"People keep saying we're not as good as past United teams but sometimes we get foggy impressions about the past and I do so myself at times.

"The reality is this team doesn't know when it's beaten which is a great quality.

"The acid test is tomorrow and we have to get through it if we are to win this trophy."

The United boss is buoyed not only by form, but by the fitness of his squad with Paul Scholes being the only notable absentee from the plane to Spain.

"I think it's a good time for us to be playing Real Madrid," said Sir Alex. "We have a fantastic lead in our league and we have everyone fit. When you come to this part of the season you [often] have two or three players injured. We don't have that, which is a bonus.

"We're ready for tomorrow. Since the Champions League started, almost every year we have played one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"When I started as a coach many years ago, I dreamt I'd be playing against the top teams as a manager and you get the opportunity to do that in the Champions League on a regular basis.

"There is a special significance when you play the big teams and you'll see that tomorrow. It's just a shame we and Real are meeting this early. I wish it had been at Wembley, in the final."

When asked what kind of game he expects, Sir Alex replied:

"It won't be 0-0 tomorrow night, I can assure you of that. This match can live up to expectations. History always plays a part in this type of game, as does the two teams' desire to go forward.

"Real Madrid are one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe. Their speed from box to box is fantastic. But we have to play our own game too. Our intention is to win and to score."

As ever, the United manager kept his team-selection cards close to his chest, although he did indicate there could be at least one change from the line-up which overcame Everton at the weekend.

"We didn't play Shinji Kagawa on Sunday because he had a long trip back from Japan," said Sir Alex. "I wanted him fresh in case I decide to use him tomorrow so I rested him against Everton. He will certainly be involved at some stage tomorrow."

[bbfan1991]

Match preview: Real v United

Date, time and coverage: Wednesday 13 February, 19:45 GMT kick-off. Live on Sky Sports.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...h-preview.aspx

[bbfan1991]

I am so excited for tonight. Good luck to the lads and come on United!

[bbfan1991]

TV dates for April announced

Four of United's Barclays Premier League fixtures have been moved to accommodate live television coverage - although each of them is still subject to change.



The Reds' derby against second-placed Manchester City is provisionally scheduled for Monday 8 April, although this will be moved to Saturday 6 April (12.45pm) if the Reds qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.

Of course, last season's clash with the Blues at the Etihad Stadium also took place on a Monday night.

United's trip to Stoke City will be live on Sunday 14 April unless Sir Alex's side reach the FA Cup semi-finals and another Monday night game, against Aston Villa, and a Sunday trip to Arsenal await the Reds unless the the team reaches the last four of the Champions League.

If the Gunners make the European semi-finals, and are due to play on the Tuesday, then the game will also be switched.

[bbfan1991]

Cristiano Ronaldo rules out Manchester City move as his heart belongs to United

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he would find it impossible to turn out for Manchester City because his heart still belongs to United.

The Portuguese superstar spent six years at Old Trafford prior to making a record-breaking switch to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.

Ronaldo has enjoyed four goal-laden years in Spain, but speculation regarding his long-term future at Santiago Bernabeu has intensified this season.

Few clubs could afford to acquire his talents, but reigning Premier League champions City are among a select group of clubs who possess the riches required to make a deal happen.

Ronaldo has, however, attempted to bring an end to the rumours suggesting he could return to Manchester in blue rather than red.

Ahead of Real's UEFA Champions League clash with United on Wednesday, Ronaldo told The Sun: "To play for City not United? I'm not going to do that. Why? Because my heart's in Manchester United, that's why.

"I can say it would be very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very difficult to play at Manchester City. Very difficult because of Manchester United."

Ronaldo, despite claims earlier in the campaign that he was feeling unsettled in Spain, insists it is his intention to honour his contract in Madrid, but he has refused to rule out the possibility of making an emotional return to Old Trafford at some stage in the future.

He added: "I am a player of Real Madrid and I'm happy here, my family is happy and everything is going well for me here. The future? I don't know - only God knows the future.

"I can't say I'm never going back to Man United, but I can say I'm good here and I want to be here.

"Let's leave it at that and see what God gives me in the future, but I repeat I am happy here at Madrid."

Respect to him for that, although tonight he is the enemy. I hope United fans give him a good reception before and after the game, which I am sure we will.

[Legend killer]

Big boy rumour lads Jones and Carrick in the centre with Kag also playing looks like Clev has been dropped

[Brother Leon]

Hmm. Looks like He's gone for abit of everything in that middle three if true.

[Legend killer]

Kag is the only player in our Centre midfield who is actually able to keep the ball under pressure correct decision playing him

[Legend killer]

Also im not to keen on Jones in midfield yes he can man mark a player however he is completely limited with the ball however Fergie has not faith in Ando

[bbfan1991]

Rafael handed Ronaldo task

Sir Alex was speaking exclusively to MUTV. To see more of this interview, tune in to Matchday Live at 18:30 GMT on Sky channel 418.



Brazilian defender Rafael will be handed the task of stopping Cristiano Ronaldo in the Bernabeu tonight, as Manchester United take on Real Madrid in the Champions League Last 16.

Media speculation has been rife around how Sir Alex intends to shackle the Portuguese forward, particularly after Phil Jones successfully man-marked Marouane Fellaini in last Sunday's 2-0 win over Everton. But the Reds boss, speaking exclusively to MUTV in Madrid, has revealed it will be right-back Rafael who'll be asked to keep tabs on the former United ace.

"The responsibility will be with Rafael," Sir Alex said. "Rafael's maturity this season has been fantastic. Obviously Robin van Persie has been sensational but, outside that, Rafa and Michael Carrick are having their best seasons ever.

"He's Brazilian so he doesn't fear a thing. I trust him and have faith in him tonight."

Sir Alex admitted Ronaldo, who spent six seasons at Old Trafford, has progressed even further since signing for Real Madrid, but is confident he knows enough about the 28-year-old to negate his prodigous talent.

"He's flourished since he's come to Madrid," the manager said. "You'd have to be stupid not to respect his goalscoring record. But if one team knows about Ronaldo it's us. We had him for six years so we know everything he can do on a football pitch. We probably have an advantage in that respect, when it comes to facing Ronaldo."

What a test for Rafael tonight.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United team vs Real Madrid: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Jones, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie.

Bench: Lindegaard, Smalling, Valencia, Anderson, Giggs, Cleverley, Hernandez.

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by Legend killer

Big boy rumour lads Jones and Carrick in the centre with Kag also playing looks like Clev has been dropped

Was that from Twitter? Just wondering due to the accuracy.

[bbfan1991]

A Journalist tweeted it, who is in Madrid.

I am not surprised that Vidic is not in the line up, his condition is being monitored by the Doctors for a few months after he had surgery on his injury and they are chosing which games he plays in atm.

Big game for the lads. Come on United.

[bbfan1991]

FT- Real Madrid 1 United 1. I will take that and a vital away goal for the second leg at Old Trafford, so it is all to play for.

David De Gea, Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones were MOTM for me.