Reigning champions Bayern Munich take on crisis-hit Manchester United in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford today.
Reigning champions Bayern Munich take on crisis-hit Manchester United in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford today. Red Devils’ manager David Moyes who has come under more criticism from fans for the poor form of his team, much show steel and strength against the mighty Bavarians who have ruled Europe for quite some time. Wayne Rooney and co. have an almighty job on their hands and we list a pool of players who the Red Devils must stop in order to stay in the tie:
Franck Ribery
The UEFA Player of the Year for last season, Franck Ribery is the player who can turn the tide for Bayern. Ribery who came in 3rd behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in this year’s, Ballon d’Or, will look to upstage the Red Devils on their home turf.
Arjen Robben
The left-footed winger from the Netherlands, Arjen Robben is another threat that Manchester United should be wary of. His tricks and pace on the wings are going to be a menace for the likes of Rafael and Patrice Evra. Manchester United must stop this high-flying winger in order to progress in the semi-finals.
Toni Kroos
Manchester United were linked with him in the January transfer window but neither parties took the further step. It seems the summer transfer window will be the ideal part but here comes the part where Toni Kroos shows his true talent to the club he ‘might’ move in the summer. A German talent, Kroos is a powerful midfielder in the centre and David Moyes will be encouraged if the former does manage to score tonight.
Manuel Neuer
‘The German Wall’ between the posts for Bayern, Manuel Neuer will be a tough nut to crack for Wayne Rooney and his fellow attackers. He hardly ships in any goals and with his presence in the posts; David Moyes must have a strategy up his sleeves.
Phillip Lahm
Whether is playing right-back or in the midfield, Phillip Lahm is the right kind of person to stop the opposition attack. Pep Guardiola has brought out the best from Lahm in the former’s first year at the club and Manchester United must be quite clever in their think tanks if they are to pass out with flying colours.
Manchester United’s form at home this year is surprisingly been poor but with they need to keep that in the back of their minds as they head-to-head against the attack-prone, Bayern Munich. Manchester United will miss their striker Robin van Persie due to injury but with the talents of Wayne Rooney and Danny Wellbeck, they can really put up a fight for the Old Trafford faithful tonight!
