SL Benfica vs. Manchester United

To those who picked Berbatov instead of Hernández.

Did you pick him because 'he needs to play', you're Berba-lover, or you just don't care about Benfica away?

He scored his last Champions League in October 2008, that's 1134 minutes on the pitch without a goal...

He's bound to get one eventually.
 
To those who picked Berbatov instead of Hernández.

Did you pick him because 'he needs to play', you're Berba-lover, or you just don't care about Benfica away?

He scored his last Champions League in October 2008, that's 1134 minutes on the pitch without a goal...

whats your problem rooney and hernandez can't play in every game for us, there be a time when berbatov will be asked to step in. beside we now got 3 games in 8 days. changes will be made.
 
The funny thing is, we're talking about handing games to those who need games like it's a big concern, but the players that haven't played yet are more or less our starting lineup from last year... :lol:

I have no worries. Valencia - fletcher - giggs - park is a fantastic midfield. We've gone into big european games with faaaaar worse.

It's a fecking amazing bench too, when you think of it!!
 
To those who picked Berbatov instead of Hernández.

Did you pick him because 'he needs to play', you're Berba-lover, or you just don't care about Benfica away?

He scored his last Champions League in October 2008, that's 1134 minutes on the pitch without a goal...

I think he deserves a start. He was our leading goalscorer last season, and he's barely seen any action this season so far. And you know what? He hasn't complained once about it. Once the CL starts, that's when the advantage of having a good and big squad comes in.

Also, I doubt Berba will start on Sunday, so yes I think he should start tomorrow night.
 
I'd play our first choice defence and attackers but give the midfielders like Nani, Young and Anderson a rest. Bring in Giggs, Park, Carrick and Fletcher or Valencia.
 
I think he deserves a start. He was our leading goalscorer last season, and he's barely seen any action this season so far. And you know what? He hasn't complained once about it. Once the CL starts, that's when the advantage of having a good and big squad comes in.


I'm in two minds about that

A. Yes he's a good team player and its good that he's buying into the team mentality, he will eventually get a chance to play and show us his stuff. Hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.

B. He should be complaining that he deserves to play... If I was Berba I would be very concerned that I've clearly fallen behind Chicarito and Welbeck into 4th choice. For a striker over 30, coming off his most productive season at the club, having been left off the bench in the CL final, you'd kind have earned the right to express a little displeasure. It would show people that you at least had some of the hunger to change your position. He can't be blind enough to not see Owen, Macheda and Diouf all lined up behind him also hoping for the chance to show their game on the pitch.

Hopefully he will get the chance to show it on the pitch, but if he doesn't take that chance he's done.
 
I'm in two minds about that

A. Yes he's a good team player and its good that he's buying into the team mentality, he will eventually get a chance to play and show us his stuff. Hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.

B. He should be complaining that he deserves to play... If I was Berba I would be very concerned that I've clearly fallen behind Chicarito and Welbeck into 4th choice. For a striker over 30, coming off his most productive season at the club, having been left off the bench in the CL final, you'd kind have earned the right to express a little displeasure. It would show people that you at least had some of the hunger to change your position. He can't be blind enough to not see Owen, Macheda and Diouf all lined up behind him also hoping for the chance to show their game on the pitch.

Hopefully he will get the chance to show it on the pitch, but if he doesn't take that chance he's done.

I don't think Diouf really holds hope that he will ever feature for us with our current squad, and Owen's most likely getting injured right now.
 
if anyone could pm me with a stream i would love them forever
 
SAF should really point out to lads that we've just been VERY lucky the past matches and we should not underestimate whatever team comes to us...
 
SAF should really point out to lads that we've just been VERY lucky the past matches and we should not underestimate whatever team comes to us...

how are we lucky, explain? :wenger:
 
Starting XI:
225577_Champions_League_Team.jpg

Bench: Lindegaard, Evra, Fletcher, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez

Prediciton: 0-1 (Owen)
 
dmode is right. I know it was two matches against Premier League opposition, but those were 13 of the jammiest goals I've ever seen. We need to focus and not expect that sort of luck to keep us afloat.
 
Why are some people leaving out Rooney and Evra? This is an away Champions League game not some poxy domestic cup tie. Full strength please Fergie.

There's 4 days until the Chelsea game (which is at home) and then they don't have a game until the following weekend as the reserves/youth team will play against Leeds.
 
I don't think Fergie will overdo the changes as we want those first 3 points in the bag. I think Park may start asr one of the wingers and Fletcher will play a part, but I expect the Rooney/Hernandez partnership will remain in tact.
 
Experienced players are rested, so United should look good in this one.

Portuguese teams usually like to play open football so it should be a good one to watch.
 
SAF should really point out to lads that we've just been VERY lucky the past matches and we should not underestimate whatever team comes to us...
He should that and I hope he does too. Don't want them resting on their laurels thinking they're any good when they're quite obviously crap. Good on you dmode for noticing that... :wenger:

Anyway, back to reality.

Let's hope the lads carry on with the stunning performances that they've put in these last few games.....:)
 
I always feel nostalgic when we meet Benfica. If anyone needs help getting in the mood for this one, just watch some footage from the '68 final. Priceless

My Dad bought me the "Three Finals" on DVD. A must for any United fans collection

1968 European Cup Final - Manchester United FC 4:1 Benfica Lizbona [29.05.68, Wembley Stadium] - YouTube
Very nostalgic indeed - but very depressing also when thinking of our CL group game there back in 2005.
Van der Sar - Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea (Richardson 87) - Ronaldo (Park 67), Smith, Scholes, Giggs (Saha 60) - Rooney, van Nistelrooy
One gem on the BBC website after our loss:
It's obvious Ferguson is no longer capable of bringing success to Man Utd
From Frankie F
 
Apparently it's:

Lindegaard 3 (C) Evra 6 J. Evans 12 Small 20 Fabio 11 Giggs 13 Park 16 Carrick 24 D. Fletcher 25 Valencia 10 Rooney

According to Matterface. Berba can't buy a game.
 
Official Team:

Lindegaard

Fabio
Evans
Smalling
Evra

Valencia
Carrick
Giggs
Fletcher
Park

Rooney

Bench: De Gea, Jones, Anderson, Nani, Owen, Berba, Hernandez.
 
CONFIRMED MUFC TEAM:

Lindegaard

Fabio
Smalling
Evans
Evra

Valencia
Carrick
Fletcher
Giggs
Park

Rooney

SUBS: de Gea, Jones, Anderson, Nani, Owen, Berbatov, Hernandez.