For Manchester United fans it means, talking about the form of their forwards, Michael Carrick‘s revitalization, which has finally seen him receive credit, none of which has been undeserving. Also supporters of the Red Devils point towards desire and more importantly the overall sense of team unity, something which Real Madrid seem to lack, as a factor that could tip the balance in the favour of the club from Manchester.
Real Madrid, may not seem to have the same unity as their rivals, but the sheer quality that the team posses on the field, promises to provide fans all over the world with a match that will be remembered for generations to come.
Let’s look at five areas where Manchester United need to focus in order to ensure that the club makes it past the La Liga champions and into the quarters of the Champions League.
Form of Wide players
Manchester United are traditionally known to be a team, which relies on width provided by their wide players to get past opposition defences and score goals. That becomes hard to do though, when all 3 of the natural wide men in your team are either injured or out of form.
Antonio Valencia, who on his request was handed the prestigious No.7, has been poor. While at that time, he deserved to wear the famous jersey worn by greats like Best, Beckham, Ronaldo to name a few, he has not justified it this season. Injuries have not helped him, and his confidence of beating his man seems to have eroded. Opposition fullbacks have realised that it’s more a matter of when he decides to move right, and this is where his lack of a left foot hurts Valencia.
Ashley Young, was showing signs of improvement when he returned from his injury this season, but just when it looked like he had caught up some sort of form, he was sent back to the injury room. His work rate is of real importance down the left flank for Ferguson, who chose to use him there in some important games this season. His return from injury also provides the Scotsman with further options to rotate.
Then there is the wild card of the pack, Nani. On his day, he has the potential to make any defence in the word look ordinary, and hence a key player for the club. But sadly, performances like those have been of rare occurrence in the past two season. That is not to say, he should not play, since returning from injury, the Portuguese has shown some sign of improvement and the supporters will be hoping he returns to form in time for the Champions league game.
Considering such form of the wide players, it may not be a bad idea for the United manager to maybe look to contain and start with a diamond formation in the first leg away from home.
Defending
This is one area where there has been marked improvement in recent weeks, but there is still more improvement, which will be needed to beat a team of the calibre of Madrid, especially with the attacking threat that they pose.
As good as they have been this season, Evra and Rafael haven’t been perfect. The Brazilian fullback has certainly improved on the defensive side to his game, he still needs to work on his positioning, and with Ronaldo attacking down his end he will need to be at the top of his game.
Evra has resurrected since the arrival of Alexander Büttner; the push key to the Frenchman’s renaissance. There maybe a marked improvement in this season, but he still has troubles with quick and tricky wide players. Angel Di Maria will most likely start for Madrid on the right flank, providing Evra with a task he must not fail.
Concentration
This has been one facet of Manchester United, that has failed to improve since the start of the season, one which Ferguson has failed to remove, though at time just delaying it. In the start of the season, if it were poor starts, now it seems to be poor second half’s after completely dominating teams in the first.
Concentration for the full 90 minutes, is something that the Red Devils seem to be having trouble with.
The start of the season was plagued with many defensive lapses, now with the defence improving every game, too many passes have gone astray in the closing stages.
Jose Mourinho would have clearly identified this as one area where Los Blancos could look to take advantage of. Also with players like Ronaldo, Ozil lining up against United, they do not need an invitation to make most of whatever opportunity is presented to them, however small it may be.
Considering how key an away goal could be for both sides, in a tie which is bound to be closely fought, any mistake over the two legs will be magnified.
Goalkeeper
There has been a lot of discussion on David De Gea in recent weeks, with the Spanish goalie having critics and defendants in an equal number. But what cannot be doubted of the United No.1 is that he has made some improvements in his game over the summer. Also on the flip side, he still retains weaknesses in his game, that will need to be looked at, but luckily for him he has time on his hand and the fans support.
De Gea has had his moments and he will need to ensure that he steers clear of making mistakes in both the legs.
Pressure (both on and off the ball)
This is one part of the game, that Sir Alex will need to look at if his team stand a chance against Madrid. In recent game, United have shown a tendency to sit back and absorb the pressure after taking the lead. The defence seems to back off and the rest of the team follows suit, and this defending deeper than usual has led to many nervous endings, and a few missed heartbeats for fans.
Defending deeper against the likes of Xabi Alonso in midfield, is asking for trouble and is something that cannot be allowed as it can come back and haunt them. Madrid’s defence is not infallible as has been shown throughout the season and attacking their defence would not be a bad idea.
Ferguson’s men will also need to cope with pressure applied by Madrid when United have the ball. Opposition teams have identified this weakness, with the Red Devils and they have faced problems playing the ball out when rivals have applied pressure. This will need to be addressed, as the Special One would surely have identified this chink in the Red Devil armour.
These are some of the key areas that the men from Old Trafford need to look at to ensure that fans of the Manchester Club, are on the morning of March 6, rejoicing qualification to the quarters of the Champions League. Mourinho will have surely identified areas of weakness, which his side can take advantage of, and Ferguson while looking at areas at which he can exploit in Madrid’s armour and also look at areas where United themselves can improve.
The match could prove to be a one with lots of goals and a neutral could be in for a treat.
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