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, 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