Above is my article describing Manchester City's frailties. I think I will focus this article solely on the Champions League exit.
On Thursday, the 25th of August 2011, the draw for the Champions League group stages was made. After the somewhat drawn out process of finding the team you would face in the Group Stage was complete, Manchester United fans were left feeling extremely happy and hopeful for the group stage ahead. They had drawn Benfica, Basel and Otelul. Now with no disrespect intended to any 3 of those clubs, Manchester United were extreme favourites for the group and it was seen more likely they would get 18 points in that group then get knocked out.
On the 14th of September, the group stage began and Manchester United faced a trip to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Manchester United fell behind through a goal from Oscar Cardozo but were only able to salvage a draw in their opening match as Giggs equalised before half time. Manchester United's next opponent was FC Basel at Old Trafford. United were 2-0 ahead after 2 Danny Welbeck goals. United were believed to comfortably win the game from that position but that was not the case as F. Frei scored on the 58th minute and A. Frei had scored 2 more goals by 76 minutes to put Basel 3-2 ahead. De Gea and United's blushes were saved by a 90th minute equaliser from Summer purchase Ashley Young. United received much well deserved criticism after their inability to kill off the clearly weaker oposition in FC Basel, having gone 2-0 ahead. United's 3rd game was against Otelul at the National Stadium where 2 Wayne Rooney penalties saw off any chance of a shock result for Otelul but the media were still unconvinced by this United team. United played Otelul at Old Trafford this time and Valencia's early goal and Sarghi's 88th minute Own Goal ensured a United victory on the night. United were in a good position going into the final 2 games of the group and they face Benfica at Old Trafford first. Even though they were not playing well in this Champions League campaign, United were still widely regarded as hot favourites for the game. A Phil Jones Own Goal after 3 minutes put United in a precarious situation. Berbatov and Fletcher scored the next 2 goals and by the 59th minute United were back favourites to proceed from the group but an Aimar 61st minute goal made the favourites tag short lived. The game finished 2-2 much to the frustrations of United who now needed to beat Basel away, which was something they could not do at home, to progress. Streller gave Basel a 9th minute lead as nerves were being conveyed by the United players like never seen before in a United side. When A. Frei scored a goal on the 84th minute hopes of United progressing were diminished but when Jones got an 89th minute goal a glimmer of hope was provided that United were going to do another comeback they are well known for in the past. This hope was crushed as the final whistle and yes we were all hearing correctly, Manchester United were out of the Champions League!!
Now as the Europa League approaches us, here are 5 things Fergie must do to see United past a tricky Ajax side:
1) Play the one keeper for the two legs. If he starts messing with his keeper choice none of the keepers get the confidence that they are good enough to win United the Europa League. I believe De Gea should be picked because Lindegaard is injured. I think I would have picked him if Lindegaard was even fit.
2) Pick players who are hungry for the Europa League. This should go without saying really but I do not think players such as Anderson should play in the Europa League. Anderson is, at times, sluggish. This will be capitalised upon by Ajax if it is shown. Picking Giggs (who didn't travel to Amsterdam) is a good option for me as he will always give 100% in any game.
3) Play Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian is slowly but surely becoming a key part in the Manchester United team. His pace, power and sublime crossing makes him a certainty to start, for me. With Nani's arrival back to fitness one must wonder would Fergie use this as a chance to rest Valencia.
4) Put Paul Pogba on the bench for the game. Pogba looked lively at the game against Stoke. Having been at that match the warm welcome Pogba received convinced me this lad is a star for the future (if he signs a contract). He has a good frame and he can pass the ball well maybe this is a good time to give him European experience.
5) Play the best team available to him and go to win the competition. Manchester United have a proud history of going to win every competition they partake in. Hopefully United can break their poor European form this season and go all the way in the Europa League and win another trophy over Manchester City this season.
Prediction: We all know United will find this difficult but I believe over the two legs they will scrape a 3-1 victory. Expect good midfield displays from Cleverley for United (if he gets on at all) and Christian Eriksen for Ajax.
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