When the match comes around I might be a bit nervous but for now I am just so excited for this match. The guardian had a good thing where they linked highlights of our match with them from 68. We beat them then and we can do it again.
Real Madrid vs Manchester United
- Thread starter Interval
- Start date
Since when is Kagawa out of form?
He was in pretty good form before the international break, and he would have definitely played today if he wasn't in Sir Alex's plans for Wednesday. I suppose that's where the thinking comes from, same with Nani. Not guaranteed obviously but I'm pretty sure he will start. Also, European football is much more suited to his style currently than premier league football, as he is still adjusting to the prem. It's much more on the technical side of things in the champions league, something what Kagawa excels at, not so much being big and strong, which obviously Shinji is not.
SAF was saying before today's game that he was intending to make 10 or 11 changes for Real. He said on his post match interview he decided to put 4 of the players he was keeping for Wednesday in the starting line up today due to Shitty's result last night, in order to really take the initiative in the PL.
Who are those 4? RvP, Rooney, Cleverley/Rafael & Vidic?
I'm therefore guessing something like this for Wednesday:
I seem to have 7 of today's starters, so there might be a couple different from that lineup.
Who are those 4? RvP, Rooney, Cleverley/Rafael & Vidic?
I'm therefore guessing something like this for Wednesday:
De Gea
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Cleverley Carrick
Nani Rooney Kagawa
RvP
Rafael Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Cleverley Carrick
Nani Rooney Kagawa
RvP
I seem to have 7 of today's starters, so there might be a couple different from that lineup.
The simple fact that we look to dominate the central areas more when he is on the pitch added with his good link up with the likes of RVP and Cleverley merits him a place in the team to assert ourselves in the game.
tbh im not convinced Cleverley will start. He played the 90 and with Jones coming off after an hour (think he was always going to) it might be a Carrick/Jones/Anderson midfield. Obviously not the prefered one but we tend to go for a tight win or draw away from home in Europe so can see it happening.
Think there is a chance that Anderson might start instead of Cleverley if what you say is true, but I can't see anyone else out of the players who started today not play. De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Evra, Rooney and RVP are basically guaranteed to start IMO out of the players that started today. Add on Carrick and Rio and we're only left with the wings and Carrick's partner in midfield for our lineup. That's anyones guess really.
I'll be happy with a score draw. If we play well enough in defence we should be able to catch them on the counter.
I think we'll get outplayed at Bernabeu. I just hope that the final result is not so bad as to render the return match a mere formality.
A score draw would be a great result, to be honest I'd be OK with a one goal loss once we score.
As great as we've been domestically I still don't think we're up to the standard of the likes of Madrid or Barcelona right now.
But it's knock out, and anything can happen...
As great as we've been domestically I still don't think we're up to the standard of the likes of Madrid or Barcelona right now.
But it's knock out, and anything can happen...
I reckon we'll hit them on the counter, just like against City and Chelsea.
I think we'll do them.
I think we'll do them.
I too reckon we'll get battered at the Bernabau 3-1 or something. Not optimistic about this to be honest but I will be elated with a score draw. I think that is the best we can hope for.
Have a feeling we'll play 4-5-1.
De Gea; Evra, Rio, Vidic, Rafael; Rooney, Kagawa, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani; van Persie.
Rooney will play on the left as practiced yesterday. Kagawa will play due to his continental football experience and might well play behind van Persie iinstead or Rooney. I can see Nani playing due to Valencia poor form.
De Gea; Evra, Rio, Vidic, Rafael; Rooney, Kagawa, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani; van Persie.
Rooney will play on the left as practiced yesterday. Kagawa will play due to his continental football experience and might well play behind van Persie iinstead or Rooney. I can see Nani playing due to Valencia poor form.
What's the scouting report on Real right now? I haven't been able to watch them much the last month or so.
At the Bernabeu where as Sir Alex says they rarely lose, I think we will set out to defend and hit them on the counter.
That is pretty much a no-brainer as we've been doing it on big European nights away from home for years now. When it comes back to Old Trafford, then United will set out to attack them, but not on Wednesday they won't.
There will be a tactical plan to both provide more cover for Ronaldo and to attack into the space left behind Ronaldo.
I think this means Van Persie as a lone striker to allow a stronger defensive set up.
I expect to see Nani on the bench because despite his best efforts and hard work tracking back, he never seems to be a natural defender and has made mistakes under defensive pressure in the past.
Which four players were included against Everton who were going to be rested initially for the Madrid match? I think Vidic and Valencia and Van Persie. Perhaps Giggs was the fourth given Sir Alex's propensity to pick older heads for away nights in Europe. I think initially Smalling was set to partner Evans, Hernandez was selected to play the offside game Van Persie ended up performing, and Welbeck was going to help defend against Everton's left.
Carrick and Rio seem nailed on for Madrid since they were conspicuously absent in the Everton match.
So my guess for the Madrid away leg is:
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia------Carrick-----?------------?------
---------------------?--------------------------
------------------------------------------------
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
As with Phil Jones at Everton, Carrick will have to rotate over to try to harness Cristiano Ronaldo. So I expect to see Rooney set up on the left in front of Evra, but rotating into central midfield defensively.
I think Sir Alex will put Anderson alongside Carrick for two reasons: (1) Anderson has the athleticism, pace and tackling ability to help harness Real Madrid's forwards, (2) Anderson has the ability to start a counter attack either through his long passes or by carrying the ball past defenders. For these reasons I think Anderson is nailed on in this match.
I think either Kagawa or Cleverley will be the last player in the three man midfield, simply for ball retention and quick passing in what will be a hotly contested and crowded part of the pitch. For his defensive qualities and tactical discipline I pick Cleverley, but Kagawa might suit the counter better. Whichever player it is will rotate out on the left to provide defensive cover if Rooney has to cover centrally.
So my final guess is:
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia-----Carrick-----Anderson---Rooney
--------------------Cleverley------------------
------------------------------------------------
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
I expect Real Madrid to have the lion's share of possession and to be forcing De Gea into punches and parries. I expect to see United concentrating on not conceding and on absorbing pressure. Then against the run of play I expect United to nick an away goal through a swift counter-attacking move. Even if United end up conceding one or two goals, I will feel confident if United can bring an away goal back to Old Trafford. A 1-1 draw would be a great result from this match, but United might frustrate Madrid and steal a win through this tactical approach as well.
That is pretty much a no-brainer as we've been doing it on big European nights away from home for years now. When it comes back to Old Trafford, then United will set out to attack them, but not on Wednesday they won't.
There will be a tactical plan to both provide more cover for Ronaldo and to attack into the space left behind Ronaldo.
I think this means Van Persie as a lone striker to allow a stronger defensive set up.
I expect to see Nani on the bench because despite his best efforts and hard work tracking back, he never seems to be a natural defender and has made mistakes under defensive pressure in the past.
Which four players were included against Everton who were going to be rested initially for the Madrid match? I think Vidic and Valencia and Van Persie. Perhaps Giggs was the fourth given Sir Alex's propensity to pick older heads for away nights in Europe. I think initially Smalling was set to partner Evans, Hernandez was selected to play the offside game Van Persie ended up performing, and Welbeck was going to help defend against Everton's left.
Carrick and Rio seem nailed on for Madrid since they were conspicuously absent in the Everton match.
So my guess for the Madrid away leg is:
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia------Carrick-----?------------?------
---------------------?--------------------------
------------------------------------------------
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
As with Phil Jones at Everton, Carrick will have to rotate over to try to harness Cristiano Ronaldo. So I expect to see Rooney set up on the left in front of Evra, but rotating into central midfield defensively.
I think Sir Alex will put Anderson alongside Carrick for two reasons: (1) Anderson has the athleticism, pace and tackling ability to help harness Real Madrid's forwards, (2) Anderson has the ability to start a counter attack either through his long passes or by carrying the ball past defenders. For these reasons I think Anderson is nailed on in this match.
I think either Kagawa or Cleverley will be the last player in the three man midfield, simply for ball retention and quick passing in what will be a hotly contested and crowded part of the pitch. For his defensive qualities and tactical discipline I pick Cleverley, but Kagawa might suit the counter better. Whichever player it is will rotate out on the left to provide defensive cover if Rooney has to cover centrally.
So my final guess is:
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia-----Carrick-----Anderson---Rooney
--------------------Cleverley------------------
------------------------------------------------
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
I expect Real Madrid to have the lion's share of possession and to be forcing De Gea into punches and parries. I expect to see United concentrating on not conceding and on absorbing pressure. Then against the run of play I expect United to nick an away goal through a swift counter-attacking move. Even if United end up conceding one or two goals, I will feel confident if United can bring an away goal back to Old Trafford. A 1-1 draw would be a great result from this match, but United might frustrate Madrid and steal a win through this tactical approach as well.
Have a feeling we'll play 4-5-1.
De Gea; Evra, Rio, Vidic, Rafael; Rooney, Kagawa, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani; van Persie.
Rooney will play on the left as practiced yesterday. Kagawa will play due to his continental football experience and might well play behind van Persie iinstead or Rooney. I can see Nani playing due to Valencia poor form.
De Gea; Evra, Rio, Vidic, Rafael; Rooney, Kagawa, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani; van Persie.
Rooney will play on the left as practiced yesterday. Kagawa will play due to his continental football experience and might well play behind van Persie iinstead or Rooney. I can see Nani playing due to Valencia poor form.
I thought Cleverly was not into the game today, not sure if advanced CM does not suit him. I think Kagawa is a better option but somehow I do not think that SAF trusts him yet for such a big occasion. You are forgetting our best mf player Scholes. I think he will play unless he is injured.
Evans was outstanding against Everton, and I am not too sure Rio and his age can keep up with the pace of Madrid. Thanks god Vidic is healthy. If he contains Ronaldo, then my hat off to him, best CB for United ever!
And you are right, there will be plenty of shots on goal given that De Gea likes to punch them.
This would be my team.
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia-----Carrick--Scholes---Anderson--
----------------------------------Rooney
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
Evans was outstanding against Everton, and I am not too sure Rio and his age can keep up with the pace of Madrid. Thanks god Vidic is healthy. If he contains Ronaldo, then my hat off to him, best CB for United ever!
And you are right, there will be plenty of shots on goal given that De Gea likes to punch them.
This would be my team.
-------------------De Gea---------------------
Rafa-----------Rio----------Vidic---------Evra
------------------------------------------------
Valencia-----Carrick--Scholes---Anderson--
----------------------------------Rooney
---------------Robin Van Persie---------------
It should be a spectacle, I expect goals and as long as we grab an away goal we'll give ourselves a chance in the 2ndf leg even if we lose the first.
I think it'll be 9 of the 11 that started today, with Carrick in for Jones and Kagawa in for Giggs.
I think it'll be 9 of the 11 that started today, with Carrick in for Jones and Kagawa in for Giggs.
There is a case for a defensively responsible right winger being played in this match. Valencia seems like the obvious choice. But can we use welbeck there instead? He has the work rate and the willingness to track back. He also can be an attacking threat, and is a much better outlet down the right than Valencia(in the kind of form he is)
Scholes our best midfield player? Have you seen him this season? Playing scholes in a game like this would be suicidal.
I want this team for both games. I'd also be OK with Nani or Young playing on the right. The right wing is our "wildcard" in the sense that we don't have a clear first choice anymore.
----------- DDG -----------
- Rafael - Rio - Vidic - Evra -
----- Carrick - Cleverley ---
Valencia - Rooney - Kagawa
----------- RVP -----------
----------- DDG -----------
- Rafael - Rio - Vidic - Evra -
----- Carrick - Cleverley ---
Valencia - Rooney - Kagawa
----------- RVP -----------
This is the team I want to see, but also could be recipe for disaster leaving Rafael alone against Cristiano....
We stop him we stop Madrid...
I think Nani's defense is very much underrated. Okay, Valencia's defense is a bit better, but Nani tracks back very well, and has great endurance.
I'm more worried about having that bit of class on the pitch to create something special, which Nani has as much as anyone, except perhaps van Persie.
We may end up playing on the counter a fair bit, and I like Nani for that better than Valencia as well.
feck em:
-----------------DDG-----------------
---------Rio----Vidic---Evans---------
Valencia---Carrick--Cleverley----Nani
---Welbeck------RVP------Rooney----
-----------------DDG-----------------
---------Rio----Vidic---Evans---------
Valencia---Carrick--Cleverley----Nani
---Welbeck------RVP------Rooney----
I'd imagine we'll play like we did against Spurs and use Jones ostensibly as a defensive mid but in reality as another fullback to prevent their main wide player from coming inside.
My main worry remains the center backs and their lack of pace. Looks like Rio is going to be starting this one as well. Like Neville said, Ronaldo loves to prey on the weak link. If he gets nothing out of Rafael the first few times, he'll drift inside and target our slow CBs, which in turn would force us to sit deep and invite pressure.
I'm not too worried about that. They'll cope. Ronaldo isn't as tricky as a Messi or a Silva. It'll suit our CBs.
I'm actually more worried about our central midfield. If Mourhinho is half the tactical genius he is made out to be, he will pin a player on Carrick, stopping him from playing. He did this when he was at Chelsea when Scholdes and Carrick always had someone in their face. Khedira will mostly be assigned this. Our system tends to break down then. Hence, I'd play Carrick, Cleverley and Anderson. Put Rooney on the left and Valencia/Nani on the right.
Disagree. Nani leaves his man a lot tracking back. Doesn't press as much as Valencia either.
He didn't track Bale and the fullback at home too, in the loss to Spurs. So that's 3 times in a season where has started a few games off the top of my head.
Interestingly, I remember Carrick having all the time and space in the world when we faced Mourinho's Inter at the San Siro. He ran that game. I can't see Mourihno making the same mistake again.
So he'll have to Start Modric over Ozil then because Ozil doesn't press enough. Works for me as Ozil is hitting some form attacking wise.
Khedira, Alonso and Ozil. Unless I'm missing out on someone
Tough match ahead... concentration is the key... if we play our normal game we have a fair chance.
Have a feeling Scholes will feature
Out injured.
@Interval Level
Was responding to Kps' post about Carrick getting time. Ozil won't press Carrick playing that AM role.
Was responding to Kps' post about Carrick getting time. Ozil won't press Carrick playing that AM role.
A front six of Rvp, Rooney, Kagawa, Welbeck, Carrick and Clev.
We will score two with this team. Can't ask for more from the first leg TBH
We will score two with this team. Can't ask for more from the first leg TBH
It will be something like that but one of Kagawa/Welbeck will start, not both. The other spot will be taken by a Jones/Anderson.
Ozil scares me the most out of the Real Madrid players.One of his passes can split the entire defence up
I'd love to see Rooney, RVP and Hernandez all start. Would me a mental game but you can imagine both teams scoring 3 goals.
Right, so I've decided that the biggest thing we need to make sure we don't do is sitting off Madrid too much. We often have spells where we just stop pressing and invite pressure (like first half yesterday). You can get away with it against the likes of Everton but I don't think we will against Madrid. We need to keep our intensity up the full 90 minutes. You give players of that standard time on the ball and they'll hurt you. It's okay if you soak up pressure but it can be done with intensity and purpose. That's importnat IMO.
That's why I put Welbeck in the side, his pressing of the opposition and his non-stop running.
Also him and Valencia on the wings will help Rafael and Evra.