United against Real ropes

Champions league. Against Madrid, the irony is that if United are to be outnumbered and technically bettered in midfield their escape route should be the wings where they would ideally find some breathing space.

They instead retreat into deep positions, hoping to intercept that final pass or cut out the eventual cross, which in recent times has seen them finish games against Liverpool, Tottenham, Southampton and Fulham desperately hanging on for dear life.

Against the technical qualities of Ozil and co, the pressing and possession abilities of Xabi Alonso and Khedira, and the ruthless counter attacking prowess of that Madrid team, well … Madrid are not in the kind of shape that won them La Liga as they broke every record last season, but with that determined, focused performance against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey last week they put to rest any hope (on United’s part) that dressing room unrest will get in the way.

Under the circumstances, and regardless of what my United mates have said to me since December, my prediction was not that bold.

mmssali@yahoo.com