What Manchester United’s 0-0 Draw Means
The first thing everyone can understand is that the Red Devils must avoid a score draw if they want to cross the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. In such instance, the away goal rule will automatically put Olympique Marseille through to the next stage of the competition.
Evidently, defeat for Manchester United at Old Trafford will create the same result: an European exit for the 2008 UEFA Champions League winners. In conclusion, Manchester United are left with only one option as they aim to reach Wembley; they must beat Olympique Marseille or kick out.
Interestingly, drawing is still an alternative and how so? Since extra-time exists in knock-out stages games, a 0-0 score line within 90 minutes of football may be good enough for the Red Devils to maintain their Champions League aspirations alive.
Manchester United vs Olympique Marseille: Attack Or Defend?
Something which Ferguson and his men definitely want to avoid is to be a goal down on Tuesday night. That will put much more pressure on their tasks on the offensive as defender Chris Smallings fears it.
“It's a bit of a dangerous score line with the way the away goals rule works,” the Manchester United player told The Guardian.
“From our point of view we need to keep things tight at the back, because if they score it will mean we need to score twice and you don't want to risk conceding the away goal.
“But, I think the manager will want us to go at them. Being at home is a massive advantage for us, and we are confident of going out there and getting the result.”
Manchester United actually have a strong record at Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League.
What
any Red Devil fan may suggest is, “let’s play our normal game and win”. Indeed, after embarrassing Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend, why will Manchester United not feel confident enough ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at home to Marseille?
Moreover, they have been boosted by the return of Antonio Valencia. And that’s not all. The Red Devils could even feature Nani who was expected to be out until April! This sounds as good news for the Manchester United family, but what kind of impact will the presence of this attacking duo really have on the Olympique Marseille match?
As Chris Smalling presumed, Ferguson may want his team to attack; but the fragile fitness condition of both Valencia and Nani may create doubts over such a positive game plan. What if Manchester United lack of efficiency on the offensive and what if they eventually leave holes at the back?
“There is nothing to fear as victory will be ours,” Manchester United supporters may respond. This leaves Alex Ferguson and his gallant men with the mission of choosing the right approach and triumphing over Olympique Marseille on Tuesday night. Will the Red Devils be able to join Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Schalke 04 and Shakhtar Donetsk in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League?
