A lot has already been written ahead of what I think will be a better game than the eventual Champions League final in May this year--and it's not surprising given that Jose Mourinho is one of the managers involved.
Manchester United go into this game on the back of a master-class performance against Inter in the first leg. Truth be told--should United play as good a they did that night, then there is surely going to be one result.
Having said all that, let me just add that Manchester United became European and World Champions last year because we took our chances. If Barcelona had taken the numerous chances they had at the Camp Nou, we probably wouldn't have got past them. If Chelsea had taken their all their chances in that final last season, we wouldn't have been Champions. The difference between us and them was that they hit the post three times in that final whilst we didn't. Regardless of the fact that Terry sent EVDS the wrong way, his failure to hit the target cost his team the title. So at the end of the day, the trophy is given out to the team that takes their chances. Now after all that, you must realise that we are way behind as far as taking chances is concerned. We had Inter at the slaughter table countless times in that first leg but failed to drive the dagger into their chest. My prayer is that we do not come to rue those missed chances at the end of the day. Jose Mourinho is not a stupid man and will therefore have seen what his team was lacking in that match and will probably look to a better performance from his team come the second leg.
Ferdinand, as I expected, is fit and will start alongside Vidic. The only worry for me as far as our defence is concerned is the manner in which we have been sloppy at the back for the past couple of games. We have been solid for the last 4 months so it will be a major blow if we start giving away cheap goals at this stage of the season. The Christmas season is already past us so I suggest we stop being generous at the back. The goals conceded against Blackburn and Newcatle were charity gifts. The thing is tomorrow night, for every goal that Inter score, we must pay for it with two goals of our own! Every fan will probably look to the attack for something tomorrow but I think our defence holds more responsibility on the day. The longer the clean sheet remains intact, the longer we shall remain in the tie!
It's on nights of such importance that Old Trafford really turns up the volume and I hope that the fans will try harder than the Inter ones as far as intimidating the opposition. Our greatest weapon will be the will to BELIEVE! At Manchester United, it's all about BELIEF!
Labels: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
