It’s not time for the UEFA Champions League Last 16 draw yet. However, Manchester United are already looking to avoid top teams.
On Tuesday night, the 2008 European kings will host Portuguese giants Benfica. The Eagles have the opportunity of upsetting Manchester United in the fight for the top of Group C. The Red Devils, however, are planning to impose their game at Old Trafford yet another time.
“First and foremost you look to qualify for the knockout stages,” Darren Fletcher declared before adding:
“But we saw Arsenal finish second last season and end up with Barcelona in the first knockout round.”
Arsenal indeed had a tough time in the Round of 16. Despite defeating Barcelona 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their tie, they fell 3-1 at the Camp Nou in the return fixture.
This is the sort of unfortunate fate that Darren Fletcher is hoping Manchester United can avoid.
“Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win the competition, it is good to avoid them until later on,” Fletcher concluded.
Manchester United will lose Group C’s top spot if Benfica triumph at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. As things stand, the Red Devils and the Eagles have 8 points each. In Lisbon, on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League, they played out a 1-1 draw.
“First and foremost you look to qualify for the knockout stages,” Darren Fletcher declared before adding:
“But we saw Arsenal finish second last season and end up with Barcelona in the first knockout round.”
Arsenal indeed had a tough time in the Round of 16. Despite defeating Barcelona 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their tie, they fell 3-1 at the Camp Nou in the return fixture.
This is the sort of unfortunate fate that Darren Fletcher is hoping Manchester United can avoid.
“Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win the competition, it is good to avoid them until later on,” Fletcher concluded.
Manchester United will lose Group C’s top spot if Benfica triumph at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. As things stand, the Red Devils and the Eagles have 8 points each. In Lisbon, on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League, they played out a 1-1 draw.
