After Man Utd’s first three games in the Champions League many people predicted a smooth sail for the Red Devils and some even went as far as to say that this is their year, but losing two games in a row now means that Utd could very well bow out of Europe yet again and they could possibly fall to the same team that saw them off last season -Benfica.
Celtic defeated Utd at home, 1-0 thanks to a superb freekick from Nakamura but there was a little more drama to come as Louis Saha missed an 89th minute penalty and fluffed a chance to score from close range because he thought he was offside when in truth the flag was not raised at all.
This all now means that Utd must avoid a lost to Benfica in their next and last game in the group, a draw would suffice but i think Sir Alex and co would prefer a win especially as they will be playing at home.Portugal‘s Benfica were the team that ousted United last season however i don’t think they will be repeating that feat this season as United has looked extremly strong at home.
The thing that will probably bugged United fans is that their beloved team was in total control in the previous two Champions League game yet they lost both of them, it seems that just maybe United need some firepower up front to spice things a little since Saha is the only one playing in a foward role, Rooney has been playing a more subdued role just behind Saha, in fact he does more defending than he probably should so it’s quite possible that United will not allow Rossi who is on loan at Newcastle to extend his stay with the Toons.
Alan Smith could play up front but he and even Fergie has admitted that he lacks match fitness while old gun Solksjaer is out with an injury.
Will Benfica defy the odds again and condemn United to the UEFA Cup or will United hang on to progress? only time will tell, as for me i have a feeling that United will indeed go through.
