Manchester United will travel to Germany to face Schalke 04 in the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final first leg on Tuesday.
United beat German opposition in Bayern Munich to win the 1999 Champions League Final in dramatic fashion, but their record against German opposition in the group stages has not been great since then. United were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in 1997, and eliminated in the quarter-final stage in 2002 by Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Bayern Munich eliminated from the last eight by Bayern Munich in 2001 as well as in last season’s competition.
The Red Devils will be hoping to better that record against Schalke, but Spanish striker Raul will be a threat and has three goals in four career Champions League game against United.
Schalke currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga, and will be hoping to put that to one side and win that manager Ralf Rangnick describes as the “biggest game” of his career.
Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, Mario Gavranovic and Peer Kluge are sidelined with injury, while Benedikt Howedes is doubtful with a stomach problem.
Leading goal scorer Dimitar Berbatov is ruled out with a groin injury for United, while Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves are also sidelined.
KEY PLAYERS
Raul (Schalke 04) – Once hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best player in the world,” the Spanish striker will be a constant thorn in United’s side.
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) – The man known as ‘Chicharito’ is developing a habit of scoring at crucial times, and he will be a key figure as United look for an away goal.
The Red Devils will be hoping to better that record against Schalke, but Spanish striker Raul will be a threat and has three goals in four career Champions League game against United.
Schalke currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga, and will be hoping to put that to one side and win that manager Ralf Rangnick describes as the “biggest game” of his career.
Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, Mario Gavranovic and Peer Kluge are sidelined with injury, while Benedikt Howedes is doubtful with a stomach problem.
Leading goal scorer Dimitar Berbatov is ruled out with a groin injury for United, while Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves are also sidelined.
KEY PLAYERS
Raul (Schalke 04) – Once hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best player in the world,” the Spanish striker will be a constant thorn in United’s side.
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) – The man known as ‘Chicharito’ is developing a habit of scoring at crucial times, and he will be a key figure as United look for an away goal.
