the blog of manchester united

In a couple of hours, United will kick off their UEFA Champions’ League campaign against Roma. Will there be another 7-1 game? Absolutely not, I think those scoreline only happened once in probably a decade. Even though I’m a Reds for Life fan, I think it’s just not realistic to have another 7-1 game or even a game with more than 4 goals tonight.

United will be missing van der sar through toe injury with Vidic and Brown playing prospect will be decided at game time due to knock. They both missed training. Pique and O’Shea will be on stand by for the two defenders.

blogmanutd.com predict:

It’ll be another tight game for United. The offense has not gel as SAF would’ve love to although Tevez looked much more comfortable with Rooney as the extra striker. The question tonight is whether SAF will try to play his “European” formation of 4-3-1-2 instead of the traditional 4-4-2 which meant Giggs will be playing the schemer position with possibly Tevez or Carrick on the bench as Hargreaves is expected to anchor the midfield for his first European appearance for United. If Vidic played, I think Roma will be very difficult to break United’s defense especially with Taddei’s absence. However, if Pique turned out and with Kuszczak at the goalie, it’ll be something not to convincing for United, although it’ll be an opportunity for both to impress and claim their place in the team. Having said that, the key to Roma again is Totti, and if United played the same tactical zone defense as to how they played Roma last year, I believe United midfield will have the control of the night. The attack will be limited, but an odd goal will come out one way or another with the midfield keep sending the ball forward. United for the odd goal (possibly it’s Hargreaves night) — MAN UTD 1 Roma 0