Thats the spirit!GroundSide said:
I also think we're gonna win and that our players will perform.
SL Benfica - Manchester United
- Thread starter Giggsy PO
- Start date
-
In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I also think we're gonna win and that our players will perform.
a scrappy 2-1 to us...giggs n ruud 
Come on United, Make Koeman eat his own words.
Koeman unfazed by Rooney threat
Ronald Koeman insisted that Benfica would not be intimidated by the prospect of facing a Wayne Rooney-powered Manchester United in their decisive Champions League tie on Wednesday.
The Portuguese champions will be without five first team players, including captain Simao Sabrosa, who scored a spectacular goal when Benfica lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in September, and goalkeeper Jose Moreira.
United, in contrast, will be close to full strength with experienced European campaigners Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs back from injury and set to feature alongside Rooney, who missed the Old Trafford encounter through suspension.
But Koeman believes United's performances to date in group D do not justify them being installed as clear favourites to claim the win they need to book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
"In Manchester, we had everyone available and they had a lot of injuries and they won. Tomorrow we don't have all the players, they have the big Manchester team and maybe we win," Koeman said. "Manchester United won without key players and we can win without key players."
Wednesday's match sees Rooney return to one of the scenes of his exploits at Euro 2004.
Koeman is a fan of the 20-year-old but was reluctant to give him star billing for a match which has echoes of George Best's appearance here as a 19-year-old in the 1966 European Cup quarter-final.
"For me, he is a great player but he is a young player and young players have to develop. Nobody at 20 has their full qualities.
"It is not only Rooney. There are many more great players alongside him (in the United side) who can make the result.
"But so far Manchester did not demonstrate they are the best of the four teams in this group. The results have been very difficult (to get) and they did not score many goals and it will be very difficult for them tomorrow night."
Benfica are obliged to go for a win if they are to survive in the competition, a factor which Sir Alex Ferguson believes could play into United's hands.
But Koeman insisted his approach to the match would have been the same regardless.
"You always play to win," he said. "Maybe if you are winning 1-0 with five minutes left, then you try to control the game. But Benfica always has to win."
Italy international Fabrizio Miccoli, Greece's Georgios Karagounis and Manuel Fernandes -- all first team regulars for Koeman -- are all ruled out of Wedneday's match through injury, along with Simao and Moreira.
Koeman unfazed by Rooney threat
Ronald Koeman insisted that Benfica would not be intimidated by the prospect of facing a Wayne Rooney-powered Manchester United in their decisive Champions League tie on Wednesday.
The Portuguese champions will be without five first team players, including captain Simao Sabrosa, who scored a spectacular goal when Benfica lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in September, and goalkeeper Jose Moreira.
United, in contrast, will be close to full strength with experienced European campaigners Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs back from injury and set to feature alongside Rooney, who missed the Old Trafford encounter through suspension.
But Koeman believes United's performances to date in group D do not justify them being installed as clear favourites to claim the win they need to book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
"In Manchester, we had everyone available and they had a lot of injuries and they won. Tomorrow we don't have all the players, they have the big Manchester team and maybe we win," Koeman said. "Manchester United won without key players and we can win without key players."
Wednesday's match sees Rooney return to one of the scenes of his exploits at Euro 2004.
Koeman is a fan of the 20-year-old but was reluctant to give him star billing for a match which has echoes of George Best's appearance here as a 19-year-old in the 1966 European Cup quarter-final.
"For me, he is a great player but he is a young player and young players have to develop. Nobody at 20 has their full qualities.
"It is not only Rooney. There are many more great players alongside him (in the United side) who can make the result.
"But so far Manchester did not demonstrate they are the best of the four teams in this group. The results have been very difficult (to get) and they did not score many goals and it will be very difficult for them tomorrow night."
Benfica are obliged to go for a win if they are to survive in the competition, a factor which Sir Alex Ferguson believes could play into United's hands.
But Koeman insisted his approach to the match would have been the same regardless.
"You always play to win," he said. "Maybe if you are winning 1-0 with five minutes left, then you try to control the game. But Benfica always has to win."
Italy international Fabrizio Miccoli, Greece's Georgios Karagounis and Manuel Fernandes -- all first team regulars for Koeman -- are all ruled out of Wedneday's match through injury, along with Simao and Moreira.
Kyros Vassaras will be the refeere.
From uefa.com
SL Benfica and Manchester United FC meet at the Estádio da Luz in a pivotal encounter that will decide both teams' UEFA Champions League fate. Just two points separate Group D's four sides going into Matchday 6 and victory for either Benfica or United in Lisbon will secure their place in the knockout rounds at the other's expense.
Positive thinking
Benfica have suffered a spate of injuries in the build-up to the game, with captain Simão, Fabrizio Miccoli, Manuel Fernandes, Giorgios Karagounis and José Moreira all sidelined. But coach Ronald Koeman is determined to stay focused on the task in hand and believes his makeshift team have what it takes to escape a congested group. "The injuries have obviously reduced my options," he said, "but it's far more important to prepare well than to dwell on players that are unavailable."
'Fighting underdogs'
The Portuguese Liga club managed that to an extent on Saturday when they beat CS Marítimo, but the precariousness of that 1-0 triumph has prompted Koeman to tinker with his side. Geovanni is likely to replace Andrei Kariaka in midfield, as the attack-minded Brazilian's coach anticipates a close contest. "The match is going to be very tough for both teams," Koeman said. "All four sides in the group have a chance to qualify. We started as underdogs but we're still here fighting."
'Nothing else matters'
United defeated their hosts 2-1 at Old Trafford on Matchday 2 despite a host of injuries, and Koeman is wary of the threat a stronger lineup poses. "United are at full strength this time," he said. "Last time they weren't and they still won so it's difficult to say what will happen." The Dutchman's United counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson, is far more assured, saying: "We need to win this game, nothing else matters.
'Special game'
"It'll be a difficult match and Benfica are a good team. It's the last game before the next stage and crucial for both sides. Portugal is a footballing country with people that love football and that makes this a special game." The fixture has added spice for United's Cristiano Ronaldo, and the former Sporting Clube de Portugal winger is unsure what to expect on his return to his homeland.
Ronaldo form
"I don't know how the Benfica fans will react to me," said the 20-year-old. "But my principal concern is to help the team and play well so we can reach our goal of winning this game. I'm in good shape and hope that continues." Ronaldo was in inspired form at the weekend, appearing as a second-half substitute against Portsmouth FC to help turn a one-goal United lead into a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Best tribute
That kept Sir Alex's side second in the English Premiership, while providing fitting tribute to the late George Best. The legendary Northern Ireland winger offers inspiration to his successors in the United shirt this week, as many consider his finest hour to have come at the old Estádio da Luz. Leading 3-2 from the first leg of their 1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup quarter-final, a tough trip to Benfica stood between United and the last four.
Benfica surprise
Within 15 minutes Best had effectively ended the tie, scoring two goals as United went on to win 5-1 on the night. Sir Alex would doubtless settle for similar, but Benfica have made a habit of overcoming adversity in this campaign and will do everything possible to leapfrog third-placed United and move into Group D's top two positions.
SL Benfica and Manchester United FC meet at the Estádio da Luz in a pivotal encounter that will decide both teams' UEFA Champions League fate. Just two points separate Group D's four sides going into Matchday 6 and victory for either Benfica or United in Lisbon will secure their place in the knockout rounds at the other's expense.
Positive thinking
Benfica have suffered a spate of injuries in the build-up to the game, with captain Simão, Fabrizio Miccoli, Manuel Fernandes, Giorgios Karagounis and José Moreira all sidelined. But coach Ronald Koeman is determined to stay focused on the task in hand and believes his makeshift team have what it takes to escape a congested group. "The injuries have obviously reduced my options," he said, "but it's far more important to prepare well than to dwell on players that are unavailable."
'Fighting underdogs'
The Portuguese Liga club managed that to an extent on Saturday when they beat CS Marítimo, but the precariousness of that 1-0 triumph has prompted Koeman to tinker with his side. Geovanni is likely to replace Andrei Kariaka in midfield, as the attack-minded Brazilian's coach anticipates a close contest. "The match is going to be very tough for both teams," Koeman said. "All four sides in the group have a chance to qualify. We started as underdogs but we're still here fighting."
'Nothing else matters'
United defeated their hosts 2-1 at Old Trafford on Matchday 2 despite a host of injuries, and Koeman is wary of the threat a stronger lineup poses. "United are at full strength this time," he said. "Last time they weren't and they still won so it's difficult to say what will happen." The Dutchman's United counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson, is far more assured, saying: "We need to win this game, nothing else matters.
'Special game'
"It'll be a difficult match and Benfica are a good team. It's the last game before the next stage and crucial for both sides. Portugal is a footballing country with people that love football and that makes this a special game." The fixture has added spice for United's Cristiano Ronaldo, and the former Sporting Clube de Portugal winger is unsure what to expect on his return to his homeland.
Ronaldo form
"I don't know how the Benfica fans will react to me," said the 20-year-old. "But my principal concern is to help the team and play well so we can reach our goal of winning this game. I'm in good shape and hope that continues." Ronaldo was in inspired form at the weekend, appearing as a second-half substitute against Portsmouth FC to help turn a one-goal United lead into a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Best tribute
That kept Sir Alex's side second in the English Premiership, while providing fitting tribute to the late George Best. The legendary Northern Ireland winger offers inspiration to his successors in the United shirt this week, as many consider his finest hour to have come at the old Estádio da Luz. Leading 3-2 from the first leg of their 1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup quarter-final, a tough trip to Benfica stood between United and the last four.
Benfica surprise
Within 15 minutes Best had effectively ended the tie, scoring two goals as United went on to win 5-1 on the night. Sir Alex would doubtless settle for similar, but Benfica have made a habit of overcoming adversity in this campaign and will do everything possible to leapfrog third-placed United and move into Group D's top two positions.
Well, Liverpool win their group, so United can only meet Liverpool if the club finish runnerup (United win, Lille or Villarreal win). Otherwise, it will probably be Barca, Lyon, Milan, possibly Bayern or Juve, depending on which wins the group. Inter wouldn't worry me much.
Here's hoping United top group and draw Rangers. Other second place sides- Bayern or Juve, Real, Ajax, Udinese, PSV.
Now, United just need to take care of business tomorrow. Then worry about the draw.
Here's hoping United top group and draw Rangers. Other second place sides- Bayern or Juve, Real, Ajax, Udinese, PSV.
Now, United just need to take care of business tomorrow. Then worry about the draw.
We'll do it tomorrow, I have a good feeling about it. Ruud to get 2
If we play a cautious game we will get beat.Hope we play 442 and at a high tempo.
When is the draw?
16.12.wancolos said:
12:00 CET
Drifter said:
Absolutly agree the problem is who to play in the middle
GroundSide said:
You obviously haven't been watching us in Europe lately. '2-0 United' is hardly routine. Couldn't care less what the score is, as long as we go through and the game is entertaining, really can't stand dull matches.
Godspeed said:Absolutly agree the problem is who to play in the middle
Best fit 11. Benfica need a win to ensure survival in Europe. They'll have to attack, which means United can hit them on the counter. I also don't think Benfica have the technical ability to control midfield on United, so 4-4-2 should be used. If Gazza is still crocked a bit, use Wes. I'm not a fan of O'Shea, but he hasn't played horrible of late...and he's scoring goals for fun.
--------VDS-----------
Gazza-Rio-Micky-O'Shea
Ron-Scholes-Smith-Giggs
-------Rooney---------
--------Ruud----------
Subs: Tim, Wes, Richardson, Fletcher, Park, Rossi, Saha
5-1 United! Easy match... no need to panic.
Hat-trick by Mr. Rooney! (I am betting on it btw)
Hat-trick by Mr. Rooney! (I am betting on it btw)
--------------------VDS--------------------
---Neville------Rio--------Brown---O'Shea---
---Ronaldo-----Scholes---Smith----Giggs----
---------------Rooney----------------------
-----------------------v.Nistelrooy----------
SUBS:
Howard
Silvestre
Park Ji-Sung
Giuseppe Rossi
Saha
I think it'll be a 3-1 victory with Rooney and Ronaldo inspiring us to victory.
Rooney to score a double with Ruud sealing the win late on.
---Neville------Rio--------Brown---O'Shea---
---Ronaldo-----Scholes---Smith----Giggs----
---------------Rooney----------------------
-----------------------v.Nistelrooy----------
SUBS:
Howard
Silvestre
Park Ji-Sung
Giuseppe Rossi
Saha
I think it'll be a 3-1 victory with Rooney and Ronaldo inspiring us to victory.
Rooney to score a double with Ruud sealing the win late on.
kanchelskis14 said:
No I havn't....
Have some faith you miserable cnut.
GroundSide said:
I'm not miserable. I do have faith and expect us to win. Just pointing out that it won't be a 'routine' win. You thick cnut.
I think its gonna be another scrappy match in Europe from united but only this time we will have the luck to get that all important goal.
IMO it will be a fletcher, smih, scholes, ronaldo and rooney midfield with ruud upfront.
IMO it will be a fletcher, smih, scholes, ronaldo and rooney midfield with ruud upfront.
Godspeed said:-----------VDS-------------
Gary--Rio--Tweety--O'shea
----Smith--------Fletcher---
---------Scholes------------
Ronaldo--------------Rooney
--------Ruud--------------
They will be attacking so fletch+smith in the middle,Ronaldo to never defend and fletch covers him. Similar we played against arses and the attacking teams.
Still
But we must attack aswell, so ofc. fergie will go for a 4-4-2, our best possible lineup.
VDS
Gary-Rio-Silvest-sheasy
Ronaldo-smith-scholes-giggs
rooney-RVN
kanchelskis14 said:
Thick cnut?
Says the 'G' who deals drugs to kids...
You know feck all about United and football in general, you nerdy twat.
Godspeed said:Absolutly agree the problem is who to play in the middle
That will always be our problem.Scholes great at link up play and going forward but not the best tackler in the world and then theirs Fletcher.
Giggs should start and after Ronaldo little cameo against Portsmouth should start ahead of Park , ill go for this starting 11.If Gary is fit then he will start and captain the team.
VDS
Gary , Rio , Mickey , O Shea
Ronaldo , Smith , Scholes , Giggs
Rooney , RVN
Bench
Howard , Park , Saha , Brown , Richardson , Rossi , Fletcher
Good to have all the injured players back and that is a bloody decent looking bench. United to get a 2-1 win and thats both my heart and head saying that.
VDS
Gary , Rio , Mickey , O Shea
Ronaldo , Smith , Scholes , Giggs
Rooney , RVN
Bench
Howard , Park , Saha , Brown , Richardson , Rossi , Fletcher
Good to have all the injured players back and that is a bloody decent looking bench. United to get a 2-1 win and thats both my heart and head saying that.
It's a week friday, as the world cup is being drawn in Geneva this fridaywancolos said:
Thanks! I was just looking for that.Giggsy PO said:
id say a comfortable united win acctually, since benfica is missing their best attacking players in simao and miccoli, and still they have to win the game aswell. So 2 or 3-0 to us, with nistelrooy finding the net in europe again.
SAred said:
Borwn instead of Silvestre
Nothing wrong with that , especially if the Silverste that played against West Ham turns up he wasnt at the races in that match.
ole to start
Fletcher will start the match no doubt.
VDS
Gary - Rio - Brown - Mickey
Ronaldo - Smith - Scholes - Giggs
Rooney
Ruud
Really looking forward to this match - we've got players back from injury and are hitting our stride just in time.
Love these European nights and am confident we'll take control of this match and win 2-0
Gary - Rio - Brown - Mickey
Ronaldo - Smith - Scholes - Giggs
Rooney
Ruud
Really looking forward to this match - we've got players back from injury and are hitting our stride just in time.
Love these European nights and am confident we'll take control of this match and win 2-0
soccerbest said:Fletcher will start the match no doubt.
I reckon he will
i reckon he wont start with fletcher.
with 3 wingers that are fit, he`s not going to bench two of them because he has a player thats not good enough to play as a cm.
with 3 wingers that are fit, he`s not going to bench two of them because he has a player thats not good enough to play as a cm.
ThomasM said:
I hope you're right....
I´m not gonna to predict the score but O´Shea is going to score.
our best combination:
gary - rio - tweety - o`hoof
chrissy-smith-scholes-park
rvn---rooney
gary - rio - tweety - o`hoof
chrissy-smith-scholes-park
rvn---rooney
Isn't Wes fit?
If he is he should play ahead of Silvestre.
If he is he should play ahead of Silvestre.
Although it's not the best position to be in, I do love these 'do or die' games.
A performance of the magnitude the side pulled out of it's arse in the home leg against Leverkusen back in '97 will see us through. Even though we lost that game, the desire of the players on the night sets a fine example for the current team.
Swashbuckling stuff that day, Gary Pallister could have had 4 goals.
Run with the hunted.
A performance of the magnitude the side pulled out of it's arse in the home leg against Leverkusen back in '97 will see us through. Even though we lost that game, the desire of the players on the night sets a fine example for the current team.
Swashbuckling stuff that day, Gary Pallister could have had 4 goals.
Run with the hunted.
its not that i dont want park in the team its hust giggs is fit and his experience is important.Oldham said:
is it on pplive? anyone got the link?
i hope giggs and ronaldo play