Wayne Rooney vs Alessandro Nesta
In Wayne Rooney, United have one of the most feared strikers in Europe. In Alessandro Nesta, Milan have one of the most dependable defenders in Europe. How the battle between the two pans out could well decide which team goes through to the quarter-finals.
Despite being one of the best centre-backs to have ever graced the game, there are some doubts over whether the 33-year-old Nesta has the legs to keep up with the incredibly energetic Rooney. It is not just marking his man in front of goal—Nesta will have to shadow the striker all around the penalty box to cut out both shooting and passing opportunities.
If the sides are deadlocked close to the end of the match, a tiring Nesta could provide the Red Devils striker with the opening needed to send United on their way.
Andrea Pirlo vs Darren Fletcher
Given United's abundance of riches in midfield, this is just one of the possible pairings—but also one of the more likely ones.
Fletcher likes to get forward but he might just have to curb his attacking instincts - for Pirlo is the scissor that can cut any defence to ribbons with just one pass from his deep-lying midfield position.
The 30-year-old has not been in great form in the Serie A this season, but those who have watched him over the years know the astounding capabilities of the man.
Fletcher's role is slightly easy in that the Italian is one of the slowest players in the Milan squad but he'll have to be on his toes all the same.
The United midfielder's experience playing at the back of defence this season might come in very useful in controlling Pirlo.
Collectively, the United defence will have to be careful not to foul the magician or any other Rossoneri players close to the penalty box. All it will take is one stunning free-kick from Pirlo and Milan could move on to the next stage.
Gary Neville vs Ronaldinho
Dinho has enjoyed something of a reawakening under the tutelage of coach Leonardo. In fact, it seems he is now a more complete player than before, willing to pass the ball to players in better positions. This is in stark contrast to his early days when he regularly tried to jink past entire defences on his own. This new avatar spells trouble for defenders everywhere.
Most likely to start high up on the left side of midfield, he'll come up against Mr. United himself, Gary Neville. The veteran has had a chequered season thus far, but will need to be at his best against the mercurial Brazilian.
He is another United player who loves to get forward, but with age not on his side, there is a danger that he could be caught out on a counter by a link-up between Pirlo and Ronaldinho.
Ferguson must impress on Neville that this cannot happen—or Milan could hit United where it really hurts.
0 komentari:
Post a Comment