Sky Sports/English UEFA Champions League commentator Andy Gray said it best in the waning moments of Manchester United’s Group C opener against Rangers (Scotland) on Tuesday night. “It’s 8 v. 10 right now for United.”
Rangers manager Walter Smith nailed the “annoying” tactics and managed to stave-off the hosts with a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford to further question United’s title aspirations for another few days.
Eight Manchester United attackers failed to break down the 10-men Rangers dedicated to ensuring a point from their 3-hour trip.
Sir Alex Ferguson, already fuming over Manchester United’s Premiership debacle over the week in a 3-3 draw at Everton being up 3-1 as injury time hit, made 10 changes to the side, clearly sending a message that he was unpleased of the performance at Goodison Park.
Making matters worse for United was the devastating injury suffered by wing player Antonio Valencia. The television footage refused to show the replay. Valencia left the pitch on a stretcher and went straight into an ambulance for medical treatment.
Valencia may have been lost for the remainder of the season, which calls into question whether young boy Tom Cleverley should be recalled from loan to fill the sudden void left by Valencia.
There is cover; however, should United opt to leave Cleverley alone. Ji-Sung Park, used primarily in Champions League matches these days, can play on the right. Nani, an unused substitute on Tuesday, is also capable of working some magic from that position.
The good news was the Rio Ferdinand, ripped from the England squad due to injury just weeks before the World Cup, started, captained the Red Devils, and played the full 90 minutes and performed quite well for his first game back into the line-up.
Darren Fletcher continues to impress in central midfield. Fletcher, again, was all over the pitch in the draw and is becoming the second coming of United legend Roy Keane.
Wayne Rooney returned to the line-up and did fairly well considering the tactics employed by Rangers. Rooney and new boy Javier Hernandez failed to link up for any significant attack.
Ryan Giggs entered when Valencia’s season appeared to be cut short. Giggs made a penalty claim as time was ticking away on United when Rangers midfielder and American international Maurice Edu handled the ball inside the box on two occasions. Giggs appealed to the goal-line officials, instituted this season by UEFA to assist in penalty claims and to keep an eye on the goal line, but was denied. It was a desperate claim at best and Giggs received a yellow card for his protests.
Chris Smalling made the first Champions League appearance of his young career after his move over the summer from Fulham and performed well.
Tomasz Kuszczak was given a game in goal, replacing the reliable Edwin van der Sar, but was hardly tested.
Man of the Match: Darren Fletcher
When you have a throwback 0-0 game between two sides from the United Kingdom, the inspired Scottish international needed to be on his game. Fletcher responded and is becoming an essential part of the United eleven.
By Scott Hansen.
(Manchester United's next will be at Old Trafford this Sunday, Sept. 19 against fierce rivals Liverpool)
Eight Manchester United attackers failed to break down the 10-men Rangers dedicated to ensuring a point from their 3-hour trip.
Sir Alex Ferguson, already fuming over Manchester United’s Premiership debacle over the week in a 3-3 draw at Everton being up 3-1 as injury time hit, made 10 changes to the side, clearly sending a message that he was unpleased of the performance at Goodison Park.
Making matters worse for United was the devastating injury suffered by wing player Antonio Valencia. The television footage refused to show the replay. Valencia left the pitch on a stretcher and went straight into an ambulance for medical treatment.
Valencia may have been lost for the remainder of the season, which calls into question whether young boy Tom Cleverley should be recalled from loan to fill the sudden void left by Valencia.
There is cover; however, should United opt to leave Cleverley alone. Ji-Sung Park, used primarily in Champions League matches these days, can play on the right. Nani, an unused substitute on Tuesday, is also capable of working some magic from that position.
The good news was the Rio Ferdinand, ripped from the England squad due to injury just weeks before the World Cup, started, captained the Red Devils, and played the full 90 minutes and performed quite well for his first game back into the line-up.
Darren Fletcher continues to impress in central midfield. Fletcher, again, was all over the pitch in the draw and is becoming the second coming of United legend Roy Keane.
Wayne Rooney returned to the line-up and did fairly well considering the tactics employed by Rangers. Rooney and new boy Javier Hernandez failed to link up for any significant attack.
Ryan Giggs entered when Valencia’s season appeared to be cut short. Giggs made a penalty claim as time was ticking away on United when Rangers midfielder and American international Maurice Edu handled the ball inside the box on two occasions. Giggs appealed to the goal-line officials, instituted this season by UEFA to assist in penalty claims and to keep an eye on the goal line, but was denied. It was a desperate claim at best and Giggs received a yellow card for his protests.
Chris Smalling made the first Champions League appearance of his young career after his move over the summer from Fulham and performed well.
Tomasz Kuszczak was given a game in goal, replacing the reliable Edwin van der Sar, but was hardly tested.
Man of the Match: Darren Fletcher
When you have a throwback 0-0 game between two sides from the United Kingdom, the inspired Scottish international needed to be on his game. Fletcher responded and is becoming an essential part of the United eleven.
By Scott Hansen.
(Manchester United's next will be at Old Trafford this Sunday, Sept. 19 against fierce rivals Liverpool)
