As English club Manchester United prepare to face German giants Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s first leg quarter final match, their defensive department received a big boost with ace defender Rafael declaring himself fit for the encounter.
Further relief came the way of United as Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, all three defenders who had missed out of last week’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa, took part in a training session. Left back Alex Buttner who also suffered a hamstring injury in that encounter also trained with the team. This would serve as a big boost for the Red Devils who would need every player full fit to curb the rampaging German champions.
The 23 year old defence ace sustained an injury in United 4-1 win over Aston Villa and had to be substituted. But has now declared himself fit for the clash against Bayern tonight. Talking to the press, the Brazilian said “I am OK. My thigh was a little bit tight. We just wanted to make sure I would fit for Tuesday”.
The last time both clubs faced each other in 2010, the red card shown to Rafael in the 50th minute was what cost United the match. In that match, Rafael had set up the first goal which made them level on aggregate and United were 3-0 ahead till the 41st minute. Rafael was then sent off in the 50th minute of the game for a tug on Ribery’s shirt. The 10 man United later lost 3-2 after Arjen Robben had scored the winner for the Bavarians. Now Rafael relishes the opportunity of redeeming the loss he caused.
As the European champions visit Old Trafford on Tuesday night, my fears are: would David Moyes throw caution to the wind by playing a more penetrative Shinji Kagawa or would he securely lock down our midfield? A mid field manned by Ryan Giggs, Micheal Carrick and Mourane Fellaini would be a more conservative option. If we must lose, let’s cut down our losses.
Further relief came the way of United as Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, all three defenders who had missed out of last week’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa, took part in a training session. Left back Alex Buttner who also suffered a hamstring injury in that encounter also trained with the team. This would serve as a big boost for the Red Devils who would need every player full fit to curb the rampaging German champions.
The 23 year old defence ace sustained an injury in United 4-1 win over Aston Villa and had to be substituted. But has now declared himself fit for the clash against Bayern tonight. Talking to the press, the Brazilian said “I am OK. My thigh was a little bit tight. We just wanted to make sure I would fit for Tuesday”.
The last time both clubs faced each other in 2010, the red card shown to Rafael in the 50th minute was what cost United the match. In that match, Rafael had set up the first goal which made them level on aggregate and United were 3-0 ahead till the 41st minute. Rafael was then sent off in the 50th minute of the game for a tug on Ribery’s shirt. The 10 man United later lost 3-2 after Arjen Robben had scored the winner for the Bavarians. Now Rafael relishes the opportunity of redeeming the loss he caused.
As the European champions visit Old Trafford on Tuesday night, my fears are: would David Moyes throw caution to the wind by playing a more penetrative Shinji Kagawa or would he securely lock down our midfield? A mid field manned by Ryan Giggs, Micheal Carrick and Mourane Fellaini would be a more conservative option. If we must lose, let’s cut down our losses.
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