Manchester United will be back in action in the UEFA Champions League as they prepare for the challenge of Portuguese giants SL Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Manchester United are going through a good run at the moment defensively as they are yet to concede a goal in five matches in the Barclays Premier League. Going into this match, United have won their crucial away match with a score line of 1-0 at Swansea to keep their hopes alive for the Premier League title.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that his Manchester United team go on to win this crucial match at the Theater of Dreams to make sure of a place in the knockout round of Europe’s elite club football competition.
As far as injury woes are concerned, Chris Smalling is out with a broken foot, while Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen, and Anderson. Wayne Rooney will start for the Red Devils in his favorite position – just behind the frontline striker – expected to be Javier Hernandez. In the middle of the park, Darren Fletcher, and Michael Carrick are expected to play while Nani takes up his spot on the right flank. Ashley Young should make his comeback for United on the left wing on Tuesday evening.
Club captain Nemanja Vidic will continue serving his European ban as Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans start at the center of defence with David de Gea at goal. Phil Jones should start at right back but faces competition from Rafael, who is back from injury. Left back Patrice Evra is doubtful after he caught a flu that could see Fabio starting at left back for United.
As far as Benfica are concerned, coach Jorge Jesus has made it amply clear in his pre match press conference that Benfica will be going for the win. He said that he has a plan for Benfica both in defense and in attack, and if the players stick to the plan, then Benfica can come away with a win at Old Trafford – finishing on top of their group.
The manager praised Manchester United’s style of play and said that it will be extremely difficult to win against a team that has been keeping 60-70% possession to themselves of late. Benfica will be without striker Javier Saviola, who has not travelled to England while Enzo Peres and Nemanja Matic also out with injury.
Benfica will rely heavily on the services of Nicolas Gaitan, Pablo Aimar, and Oscar Cardozo for any hope of victory at the Theater of Dreams, where they have not won in decades.