As Manchester United aim to retain their European title, the road is getting tougher than ever. The Reds, who qualified top of Group E with only two wins in six games, now face Italian Giants Inter Milan.

The main attraction of the fixture is about the rivalry between the two managers, Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Inter Milan’s Jose Mourinho.

The former Chelsea boss has quite good memories against the old Scot and he might want to repeat something of the 3-0 win he had at Stamford Bridge back in 2006, this time with the Nerazzuri.

Manchester United will have to face their opponent away at the San Siro in the first leg which takes place on February 24th , before welcoming Jose Mourinho back to England for the second leg on May 11th at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Red Devils are well aware of Jose Mourinho’s threat as the Portuguese knew how to embarrass them in disappointing adventures whenever Chelsea clashed against Manchester United.

Phil Townsend, the communication manager of Manchester United, expects Alex to revenge himself on his opposite number Jose Mourinho:

“We’ll be trying to put one over on José this time and get the result that the fans want, and the club wants,” he revealed.

If facing Jose Mourinho is a tough mission, coming up against Inter Milan is rather a good sign in terms of history. Phil Townsend explains:

“It’s a very exciting draw. We’ve only met Inter once before in the Champions League and we got through then, and maybe it’s a good omen because it was in 1999 and we ended up winning the tournament.”

Ten years after memorably lifting the Champions League trophy in 1999, Manchester United will once again meet Internazionale and a repeat of history will come much at the club’s delight.

In the meantime, Milan’s director Ernesto Paolillo also knows the importance of clashing against the defending champions. And he is full of confidence that his side can beat the Reds and eventually go on to win the title with the help of their Portuguese Champions League winning coach:

“I’m sure Mourinho will be happy with the draw, he wanted Manchester United and now he has them,” Paolillo told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think the motivations will be there for everyone to beat United. They are the European Champions and so motivations will not be short.

“This can give the team a massive shock in terms of getting ready for the game.

“It will be a great game for us and if we beat them then I think we can go on to lift the trophy.

“We know how to get past big obstacles as we have a team full of great players.”

The suspense has just started…

Written by: Angela Asante

The Reds still top the table ahead of the Spanish club due to a better goal difference. A good win tonight against Aalborg will ensure Manchester of finishing strongly beyond Villareal and avoid the fate of every second-placed team in the quarter-finals draws: having to face a club that finished first in its table.

Kasper Risgard’s first time experience

The Dans will have nothing to loose in tonight’s encounter. Their thrilling 2-1 victory against Celtic two weeks ago ensured them an UEFA Cup third place finish in Group E, so Aalborg’s Kasper Risgard reserves himself the right to relish his side’s clash against the Champions.

“We’re all looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,”

“It’s the biggest game of my career and I’m sure the same goes for the other players. It’s really funny to play against the big stars because I’d only ever seen Manchester United play on television in the past.”

Risgard doesn’t feel any wound from their disappointing 3-0 defeat back in September; rather than thinking of revenge, the player dreams of the wonderful experience of playing in front of 70,000 supporters instead of the 10,000 people that Aalborg welcome for their Champions League home games.

“It’s going to be a difficult game,” he admits, “so all we can do is try to enjoy it. We’ve never played in front of so many fans and at such a legendary stadium, but we go there without any pressure. It’ll be great to look back one day and say we played in this game.

Manchester United’s squad for the match.

Fergie’s boys have been devastating at times this season in front of goal, trouncing Stoke City 5-0 or even Blackburn Rovers 5-3. But they are also very inconsistent, netting only twice in their last three Premier League matches.

As the desire to retain the top spot is Man United’s priority at this stage of the competition, the Danish club Aalborg – who will play under no pressure – is certainly the perfect opposition.

However, not everything is so smooth for the home side.

“Cristiano is doubtful and Michael Carrick is out,” Fergie said at his pre-match press conference to inform the media on the team’s injury list before adding:

“Those are the only injury problems we have. Michael should be ready for Saturday, but we’ll have to see how Cristiano is.”

The Portuguese winger could not train with the rest of his teammates on Monday because of the hip injury he sustained against Sunderland last weekend. However, he featured in yesterday’s training session and could be available for tonight’s European game.

Three other players who missed training are Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and young striker Danny Welbeck. However, John O’Shea returns to action after being sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The good old Paul Scholes has also been included in the squad though he might start from the bench.

In the group’s other tie, Villareal travel to Glasgow to play bottom side Celtic who have no chance of progressing whatsoever.

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo’s physical influence

The game was played at a high tempo, and both performances were highly professional. The World Player of the Year-elect – Cristiano Ronaldo – was present in the starting line-up and available for the duel against Villareal’s Brazilian born captain Marcos Senna.

The Portuguese started on a very good note, using both his pace and tricks to pierce the Yellow Submarines’ defence and set up the rest of his team-mates.
Ronaldo also had a word of his own by the end of the first period after Wayne Rooney offered him a nice ball. The talismanic number 7 was inches away from breaking the heavy deadlock that had prevented Man United from scoring a real goal against Villareal in over 270 minutes; however, it was luck and capacity that prevented a change of fortunes: Cristiano Ronaldo’s firing chance from distance was impressively deflected on the crossbar by goalkeeper Diego Lopez’s fingertips.

Cristiano Ronaldo did not stop pressurizing Villareal’s defence who was very much alert and even too physical at times.

His opposite duellist, Marcos Senna, sustained an injury in the first half and subsequently asked to be substituted in the dressing room. The midfield battle without the influential Spanish skipper became easier for the Reds wearing all-blue outfits.
Ronaldo continued from where he left off at the end of the 45 minutes, playing tricky football and confusing the Submarines – who then found no other issues but committing fouls to stop the Portuguese who was not always fairly protected by the referee.

An exasperating tension to deal with

The tension in the game was already high between Ronaldo – who had to deal with provocation since the whole of the past week – and Villareal’s players: cameras caught one of them putting his fingernails in Ronaldo’s neck after the Portuguese had tried a wonderful effort.

Later on in the game, while it was obvious that Ronaldo had almost no contact on a Villareal defender as both were battling for the ball on the touch line, the referee awarded the home side a dubious free-kick. Ronaldo subsequently argued over the decision but then consented to let the free-kick take place. Agitated as he was in the whole of the game, Ronaldo corrected the linesman by placing the ball where it should have really been to take the kick; and this ironically earned him a yellow card.

All the same, Ronaldo dealt with the pressure that the home fans created and was paid back ten minutes before the end of proceedings. Capdevila’s challenge on Ronaldo’s knee was so reckless that the referee did not hesitate to show his red card.

After receiving treatment on the sidelines, Ronaldo returned to the field of play – which relieved every Man United supporter.

Neither side were able to deceive the goalkeepers; a goalless draw was all both could settle for and ultimately qualify to the next stage.

The defending European Champions still top the table with a better goal difference than Villareal and they are on poll position to retain top spot.
Manchester play Aalborg at home in their next meeting in this competition.

Written by: Angela Asante

S. McDonald put Celtic in front after only 13 minutes; the home fans went completely bozo. The score remained the same at half time and the fear of loosing at Celtic Park again as well as tearing their unbeaten run of 16 matches in the Champions League seized the European titleholders.

Ferguson, who had planned to rest some big players for this weekend’s clash against the Gunners, was then forced to bring on substitute Berbatov for Nani, as well as Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez to try to turn around the embarrassing situation.

But even with all the possible three substitutions, finding a way to get back into the game was difficult.

As time passed by flying, Man United’s desire to leave Parkhead with their heads high grew intensively.

The Red Champions were 6 minutes away from another defeat at Celtic Park when the equalizer came in.

Boruc saved Ronaldo’s shot, but could not punch the ball clear and Ryan Giggs was there to head it home.

Manchester United surely did not win the match, but they won at least a point, which leaves them with 8 points in the table. They still top Group E after Villareal also drew 2-2 with Aalborg in the other game.

Qualification into the last 16 is almost completely assured. However, finishing second of the table is something Ferguson wants to avoid.

Arsenal also drew goalless at the Emirates in one of the night’s ties. They will host Manchester United at the same venue in Saturday’s early kick off.

…The day will certainly be for the one who wants it most.

Written by: Angela Asante

However, the Champions are not going into the game too much as the hot favourites. Both clubs have recently enjoyed two consecutive domestic wins; Celtic bounced back with good victories against Kilmarnock and Hearts while Manchester United strengthened their hopes to defend the Premiership title with wins over West Hammers and Hull City.

Manchester United will have to improve following their disappointing display against the Tigers last weekend. Lack of concentration in defence and inefficiency in front of goal almost coast them a memorable draw.

And a repeat of this performance is certainly not what will help them overturn the Parkhead factor, which is Ferguson’s main concern.

United were surely ‘unplayable’ at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, and though Celtic’s manager Gordon Strachan has a lot of respect for the European Champions, the Hoops are planning to overcome the Reds.

Celtic’s hopes of reaching the last sixteen are almost a faded dream; now, they are concentrating on clinching the third spot in Group E to contest in the UEFA Cup.

Manchester United need to win tonight to have automatic qualification. They top the group with 7 points like Villareal with a better goal difference though. And Ferguson wants to make sure his team finishes first to avoid other great teams in the draw for the quarter-final.

Everybody in the Manchester United camp is very much looking forward to tonight’s clash in Scotland, which promises to produce a boisterous atmosphere especially created by the home fans.

“Parkhead is the best I’ve experienced, certainly,” Fergie told The Mail.

“The players were just talking about that the other day. [Nemanja] Vidic and [Cristiano] Ronaldo were saying it’s the best atmosphere they had ever played in. Credit to the supporters for that because they don’t half raise the roof.”

The boss quite remembers the taste of defeat he had in the hands of the Hoops back in 2006 when Nakamura’s free kick sealed Celtic’s 1-0 famous victory…

“It won’t be easy, as it’s obvious the Celtic players react to it. We’re going to have to run that extra yard or we’ll soon be found out by them,” he continued.

Only Barcelona have won at Parkhead in the Champions League with a formidable 3-2 comeback victory.

Manchester United will want to be able to do the same, if not better than Barcelona – the team they beat to reach the Champions League final in Moscow.

Written by: Angela Asante

The Reds will be without Patrice Evra who is battling for fitness, while the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line up is a major doubt. Carrick and Hargreaves are still missing due to injury, which gives Tevez and Anderson the chance to feature as starters.

Manchester United hope to keep their five matches winning run by overturning the 1 – 0 defeat they suffered in Scotland the last time the two clubs met a couple of years ago.

Celtic will go into the game boosted by this infamous win powered by Nakamura’s free kick, and their manager Gordon Strachan backs his players to repeat this victory.

However, Manchester United have home advantage and memories recall a 3 – 2 win against Celtic was the final score line the last time Man United hosted Scottish champions.

Celtic have not been able to grab a single point away in the Champions League in more than three years and they are yet to end their miserable run of 15 European matches without a win.

Manchester United are favourites to win tonight’s encounter but the score line is still unpredictable. A victory will take the Reds a step closer to automatic qualification.

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Dimitar Berbatov started in front with the aim of playing a direct positive game.

Aalborg’s players were very physical and bad challenges cost them several yellow cards. Paul Scholes was stretched and had to be taking off after only 16 minutes. Ryan Giggs came on to replace the good old Scholes and the former Wales captain did not take long to make an impact in the game. His intelligent ball found onside Wayne Rooney who netted in with a low shot.

Ronaldo missed a bunch of chances to widen the margin; Aalborg was fortunate to end the first half being only a goal down. However, their worst moments were just about to arrive.

New signing Dimitar Berbatov stroke twice in the second period to seal Manchester United’s emphatic 3 – 0 win away in Denmark. The Bulgarian capitalized on a defensive mistake to score his first Manchester United goal on 55 minutes.

…And the best of Berba came 11 minutes from time. Ronaldo made a superb cross, setting up Berbatov who stepped up high to fire the ball in spectacular fashion from 12 yards out of the post.

The new comer had already received much criticism from the public following his lack of impact in his previous first games for the club. But last night, the 27 year old explained why he was a number 9 player by proving his worth and ability.

Berbatov has got his first ever Champions League goals in his first ever Champions League appearance and his inclusion in the squad last night was nothing less than vital for Man United to record their third consecutive victory. T

Written by: Angela Asante

The Reds are without midfielder Michael Carrick and defender Gary Neville who both have injuries. But Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the starting line up.

Aalborg go into the match as massive underdogs however, Fergie refuses to take anything for granted and underestimate the Danish champions who drew goalless against Celtic a fortnight ago.

The Danish have home advantage and their supporters are expected to turn out in great numbers and fill the stadium. Bad memories recall that Manchester United lost 1 – 0 to Copenhagen in their last trip to Denmark.

Ferguson has concerns as regards to which striker should be dropped to the bench and which one should be in the starting line up. Berbatov looks more likely to be benched following his poor start in his dream club Manchester.

Whatever team Ferguson picks up, the coach of Aalborg believes that it will always be strong enough to compete against his side.

Whether these declarations are mind games or not, one thing is sure: Man United will want to forget about all what has been said at the press conferences and go for nothing else but a victory tonight.

Written by: Angela Asante

The match in terms of play
Man United dominated the game and played very positively in the second half especially. Ferguson decided to start Nani and Ji Sung Park in the wings to assist Tevez and Rooney, while Owen Hargreaves returned in midfield. As for Villareal, their captain Marco Senna was surprisingly left out on the bench for the whole of the match.

The Yellow Submarines had a very good defence lead by Capedevilla and goalkeeper Diego Lopez was strong enough to deny the numerous strikes made by the opposition.

Man United had more of the ball but scoring a goal was once again the main challenge. Young player Johnny Evans hit the post in the second half, while Tevez missed a great chance inside the penalty box, which could have seen him break the deadlock. Villareal also had a excellent opportunity to put the ball past Van der Sar and it was only luck who saved the Dutch from conceding a goal.

Ronaldo’s return
Cristiano Ronaldo came on as a substitute thirty minutes from time. He received a worm welcome from the fans and did not have to deal with pressure. The Portuguese displayed an encouraging performance, dribbling with pace and style. Ronaldo even made a clever pass to Rooney who then squared the ball to Tevez, to set up Man United’s best chance of the game. But the Villareal defence was always alert to clear its lines.

He also had a good effort on goal saved by Diego Lopez.

The referee’s fairness
Manchester United should have scored at least a goal to win the match and after their defeat to Liverpool in the weekend, drawing goalless was certainly not the best result to win over the fans confidence.

However, this 0-0 score line does not reflect the true facts in the game.

Ji Sung Park had two clear appeals on penalty for the Reds but the German referee turned all those down.

A fairer judgement will have given Fergie’s Big Boys the best chance to score for the first time against Villareal since 2005.

Written by: Angela Asante