Well, the Red Devils are coming out from a 1-1 draw in the English Premier League which forced them to lose the first spot in the table to local rivals Manchester City. Having recorded a convincing victory over Aston Villa, the latter now possess a 2-point lead over the Red Devils of Alex Ferguson.
Losing the first spot in the standings on the domestic front could be either motivating or distracting for Manchester United. On another hand, it may be just another result which won’t have the least impact on Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League encounter away to FC Otelul Galati.
After all, the clash in Bucharest is going to be a totally different game from the Liverpool fixture; different competition, different opponent, different tension.
Against Liverpool, Manchester United played without the likes of attacking players Nani, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney for over 65 minutes. Fergie’s decision to start these names from the bench was certainly a good plan as Man United got at least a point at Anfield.
Furthermore, it allowed the big chaps to rest a bit following the international break. Expect this trio to work things out at great pace against Galati.
But now, another concern arises. Galati are definitely not to be underestimated even though they occupy the very last rank in Group C. Fact: they’ve conceded less goals than Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League. After opening their campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to FC Basel, the Romanians displayed an improved performance which saw them lose only just to current table leaders Benfica.
So Otelul Galati will approach Manchester United with the sole aim of earning at least 1 point—their first in the UEFA Champions League. With wise tactics, they could play for a draw and thus force the Red Devils into a rather dull game. How will Ferguson shape his side for this game? Remember that Manchester United are yet to record a single victory in Europe this season.
In an incredible matchup against FC Basel, they got held 3-3 at Old Trafford. The Eagles of Benfica had previously avoided defeat to the Devils in Lisbon through a 1-1 draw. Ahead of Matchday 3, Group C looks like this:
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: GROUP C 2011/2012
1
Basel
2
1
1
0
5
4
+1
4
2
Benfica
2
1
1
0
2
1
+1
4
3
Manchester United
2
0
2
0
4
4
+0
2
4
FC Otelul Galati
2
0
0
2
1
3
-2
0
Manchester United are looking at hitting 5 points. A big margin victory over Otelul Galati will rocket them to the top of Group C, should FC Basel and SL Benfica play out a draw in Portugal. It is very likely, however, that a winner will emerge from the Benfica vs Basel clash. The Eagles are flying high this season and they are poised to clinch their third consecutive victory in all competitions this month.
Well, it looks like Manchester United will have to wait until November 22 to teach Benfica a lesson and thus steal the first spot in the group for the very first time in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Don’t miss Benfica vs Basel as it will have an impact on Manchester United’s position in the standings at the end of Matchday 3.
