the blog of manchester united

In a season defining game for United, we couldn’t afford to take another loss in a space of 2 days. Arsenal got that a few weeks ago, and I really don’t want to experience the heartbreak that those Gunners faithful felt.

CAN UNITED WIN?

“I trust these players. I’m happy for them to represent Manchester United in any game. I think we have a marvellous chance.”
– Sir Alex Ferguson

Absolutely. Barcelona is not an unbreakable team. In flair, yes, there’s Deco, Bojan, Messi, and so on, but their defense is not something that Rijkaard would’ve compared to his 90s Milan defense with Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta, and Tasotti. With 70,000 + screamers at Old Trafford is a chance for Ronaldo to show why he’s voted for the second year running of PFA’s Player of The Season. If he’s not capable in coming out in huge game like this a winner, then he’s not worthy for an European Footballer of the Year (which he would get almost for sure if United were to go on and win in Moscow next month).

United will be without Vidic and with Rooney possibly not 100% fit. Brown would most likely playing at center back with O’Shea coming in at right back as I wouldn’t think Fergie would play Pique in this big game. van der sar is doubt the No.1 while Evra should be fresh for his left back spot after being rested at Stamford Bridge. Hargreaves will be playing holding midfielder with Scholes and Carrick supporting in the middle of the park with Rooney, Ronaldo, and Tevez expected to start. Giggs would be most likely on the bench along with Nani, Fletcher, Pique, Anderson, and Kusczcak.

blogmanutd.com predicts: MAN UTD 2 - Barcelona 0

Yes, it’s bold, but after coming up disappointed last weekend, expect Ronaldo, Tevez, and Evra to wreck Barcelona all night long. Brown in the middle doesn’t sound convincing, but he will be fine just as what he showed during the game against Liverpool.