Manchester United host Bayern Munich knowing a 1-0 home victory would suffice to advance to the semi-finals. Manchester are well aware of Bayern’s ability to score given the plethora of talent on the German side.
The Bavarians arrive in England carrying a slender 2-1 lead but will be pleased to know they can count on the creativity of Arjen Robben who apparently will play along with French star Franck Ribery who is slowly but surely rediscovering his form amid a season defined by injuries. The best news for the German club is unfortunately the likely absence of Rooney which is a massive blow for both the Red Devils and the neutral fan considering the great contribution and the
scoring exploits of the England striker.
Manchester have shown they are not as lethal without Rooney and with Michael Owen also sidelined the scoring burden will be shouldered by Dimitar Berbatov who often fails to deliver when counted upon on the big occasions. Berbatov does not offer the energy and fight which defines passionate players such as Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson must be concerned by the absence of Rooney but there are reports claiming the striker might be on the bench in case he is needed. The
Manager made it clear he would not want to risk his best player and it does appear the Red Devils will have to earn qualification without the help of their prolific goal scorer.
This should be an interesting match considering Bayern are probably out to avenge the historic melt-down in 1999 which yielded the first Champions League trophy for the highly regarded Ferguson. Winning the first-leg might have given the German side a major boost but eliminating Manchester will close a painful chapter in Bayern’s European history. Had Rooney been fit and raring to go it would have been fair to predict a Manchester United win and safe passage to the next
round yet in his absence the situation becomes rather tricky.
The Bavarians can escape with a draw or even a 3-2 defeat to emerge as the winners on aggregate score. No matter what happens this should be a spirited match with both sides fighting to ensure their European season does not end at this point. For Bayern this could be considered an over achievement since they were considered by the critics as outsiders while Manchester had lost Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer yet were doing reasonably well with Rooney leading the charge.
Both teams will be eager to advance since this side of the draw is friendlier with Barcelona and Inter set to clash in the other semi-final. The winner from this tie will play either Lyon or Bordeaux which is by all means an easier task than facing the current champions Barca or the improving Nerazzurri.
If Fergie stops leaving Berbatov up there on his own, then we’ll have a great chance of putting more than one past Bayern’s pitiful defense. If he leaves Berba to play target man again, we’ll see more of what we did against Chelsea.
If Fergie leaves Scholes in the middle and Giggs at SS again and they play the same way that they did against Chelsea, we’ll see more of the same. With Rooney out, perhaps it’s time to give Gabby, Kiko, or Diouf some time up top to use their pace to give Bayern problems.
I’m anticipating another 4-5-1 (even though we can’t really afford to play on the counter being down a goal) and another boring match. Whether or not we go through is up in the air but I’m hoping, of course, that we do.
Berba CANNOT be left up top as the lone striker if our midfield is going to be so inept at providing him service again.
It’s a hard to call match there are quite a few creative players on the pitch and anything could happen plus the margin for victory could be a goal apart. It’s going to be tough to call to be honest if United pursue the game they should do okay but with both Arjen and Ribery playing together they will have a plethora of chances to score if they are given the opportunity.
I’m a big admirer of Arjen hes a wonderful player and has really hit his stride this year. As a United fan though I hope he doesn’t show up tomorrow otherwise he will be doing what he does best at our expense.
I voted “yes they can” because of course it is possible. But my prediction is they won’t; and I hope they don’t. I got sick of English domination of the Champion’s league.
Laughable
United has no shot. Anyone see their last game?
Without a handball, they don’t score or come close to scoring….hell, DB is worthless as an important striker
Its hard to believe this is the same Bayern squad that looked like it wasn’t going to make it passed group stages.
I think United have a very solid shot at winning but everyone is going to have to bring their A game. They can’t allow any goals like they did at the end of last game.
Of course they will win and beat Bayern Munich, they have will to win even without rooney
[...] Will Manchester United Beat Bayern Munich Without Wayne Rooney … [...]
[...] Will Manchester United Beat Bayern Munich Without Wayne Rooney … [...]
The question will now have to be “Will Manchester United Beat Bayern Munich WITH Wayne Rooney?”
Can’t believe he’s playing today! To be fair though, from a club perspective, these are the kinds of risks that have to be taken. Just hope from an England perspective there are no repercussions….
The answer to that is NO.
I think and I believe that Manchester team can win in spite of ausence of Wayne Rooney.
The target of the Football is that players have to learnto work toguether as a team, doing teamwork.
The players have to trust in themselves and I know they are going to get it.
The Manchester team just have to believe in themselves.
Manchester Team is really a good team