In his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex has summarised what I thought I would have struggled to put across in my preview today.
Our result at the Emirates has put us on our way to a fourth successive title so as it stands and given the strength of our rivals, it doesn't matter who we're against, we have to take three points off everyone. That essentially means that we have to put together a run of wins that will see us create day light between us and our rivals over the next few months. It's champions' form that we're now looking for now whether the game is against bottom club Portsmouth or title rivals Chlelsea or the likes of Spurs.
Our direct rivals for the title are in direct confrontation so that means failure to win today will be as sickening as contracting the Ebola virus. It's that simple, today is one of those games in the season when United must win.
Vidic could start today. We have a problem with Rafael so that means Brown could play at right-back or even Neville. Ferdinand (who is now the England Captain) is still suspended.
I think the manager should give the 4-5-1 a rest and start Berbatov alongside Wayne Rooney. The Bulgarian has really sat out games this past few weeks and could use a game. Michael Owen could also get a sniff today. The rest of the selection is the manager's headache but whatever team he sends out, we should be able to win.
We could also make use of the chance to boost our goal difference a little more.
Finally, today is Feb 6th and at 3:04, Munich will be remembered. The lives of those who perished in the Air Disaster will forever be remembered. In that regard, I like to think that the game willl be pre-ceded with a minutes' silence........Busby's Babes!
