Manchester United v Bayern Munich | Wednesday 7th April | 19:45 UK

[The Boss]

Champions League



Venue: Old Trafford / Date: Wednesday 7th April 2010 / Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

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Team News

To be updated...

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[CDev]

I just have a feeling that we will win this. 2-0 to United, which means we go through 3-2 on aggregate!

[man-u4kb]

im not sure, because last time i was fully confident and we lost

[CDev]

Sir Alex Ferguson says he will not risk Wayne Rooney against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, despite admitting that the striker would be at his most persuasive for a place on the bench.

Rooney injured his ankle in last week's quarter-final first leg defeat at the Allianz Arena and sat out United's Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea on the weekend. Media reports suggested he may make a quicker-than-expected recovery and run out against the Germans at Old Trafford, or at least be named on the bench, but Sir Alex quashed those rumours at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

Rooney has made "good progress" and the boss praised the medical staff's "fantastic" work, but he said he would not risk the 24-year-old so soon after suffering ligament damage. The soonest fans can expect to see Wayne in action again is likely to be against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, perhaps as a substitute.

Asked if Rooney had a chance of being involved on Wednesday, Sir Alex said: "No. We have made some good progress with the lad. The medical team have done some fantastic work, but I'm not prepared to take a risk on a player that's not 100 per cent fit. We're looking more at the Manchester City game, or maybe Blackburn as a sub. The boy is making good progress, but it's an ankle injury. It's no different to any other ankle injury. I can't take a risk."

However, having ruled it out altogether, Sir Alex seemingly left the door slightly ajar when asked if Rooney may possibly make the bench. "I don't think so, no," he said. "He'll maybe talk me into it. But, no, it's a difficult one." That remark may well be analysed in the press, but it seems that if progress to the semi-finals is to be achieved then the Reds will have to do it without the prolific no.10.

Source: Man Utd

[CDev]

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the magnetism of the Stretford End will be at its strongest on Wednesday night, as the Reds try to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich and make it into the Champions League semi-finals.

The boss even joked that he will provide match referee Nicola Rizzoli with a double-headed coin to ensure his men are facing the Stretford End in the second half, where United have enjoyed some memorable winners this season, like against Manchester City and Liverpool.

“Old Trafford has got that suction towards the goal when we are really in full flow and the crowd is really up for it. The ball just seems to get sucked towards the Stretford End,” he said.

“It’s an amazing feeling. There are too many of these moments to mention where we decide games in the last 15 minutes. It’s not always entirely because of the team, it’s because of the fans too. They make it happen. Hopefully that’s the case against Bayern. There’s no better sight. Last minute goals are not by accident. It’s the nature of our stadium, it’s the nature of the way we take risks to win the game.”

However, engineering that kind of atmosphere isn’t just down to supporters being up for the occasion. Sir Alex demands that his players put in the right performance to give the fans something to feed off.

“The thing most dear to my mind is the performance level," he said. "If we get the performance level right then it makes a difference. It makes a difference to the supporters and to the players’ belief and confidence.

“The players were all disappointed on Saturday after losing to Chelsea, particularly at half time. But they did something about it. That tells you we have plenty in the locker. The semi-finals of the European Cup is a fantastic incentive. That would be a great achievement for the players, having been a goal down against a very good, experienced Bayern Munich team. Most people would think that we have a good chance. I think we do. The tie certainly is not over, but there is work to be done.”

Ryan Giggs is no stranger to the ecstatic scenes that follow a significant victory at Old Trafford, and he’s hoping Wednesday night is another he can add to his already weighty scrapbook.

“We’ve all seen some great nights here and hopefully this can be another one. We are all part of that - the players, the fans, coaches. There is no better feeling as a player with the Old Trafford crowd behind you on a Wednesday night. A big European game against Bayern Munich is what you become a professional footballer for; this is what you look forward to.”

Giggs tried to describe the feeling of knowing that the best part of 70,000 people are willing you on to victory. “You know that the crowd are going to get behind you and you know that it makes it very difficult for the opposition. If we’re keeping the ball the crowd gets behind you. That is what we are trying to achieve, we are trying to create that atmosphere. It is mostly down to the players to get that atmosphere going and playing well, getting shots off, putting in tackles, getting crosses in. Then we know that the crowd will get behind us.

“We want to get off to a good start, but Bayern are a good team as well and there are going to be moments in the game when they might keep the ball, and that’s where we all have to be patient. But hopefully in the end it will be one of those special Old Trafford nights.”

Source: Man Utd

[CDev]

Federico Macheda could be thrust into action against Bayern Munich on Wednesday after adding plenty of positivity in a goalscoring, cameo substitute appearance against Chelsea at the weekend.

The 18-year-old striker, who has spotted an opening due to injuries to Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, is very highly rated by Sir Alex Ferguson, who plans to use the Italian at some point in the game, most likely as a substitute.

Macheda came off the bench against Chelsea and bundled home a goal in the second half, highlighting his predatory instincts and ability to cut it on the very biggest stage. But it wasn't just that he got his name on the scoresheet that impressed his admiring manager; his positive approach added impetus to United's attacking approach play.

"I thought that when Macheda came on we looked a lot better," Sir Alex told reporters on Tuesday. "He has a chance [of playing]. He is certainly in my thoughts. He is an exceptional talent."

Sir Alex doesn't think the occasion would get to the fearless Roman forward. That said, a starting berth might be a step too far, with Dimitar Berbatov likely to operate in a lone striker role in a 4-5-1 formation against Louis van Gaal's side.

"I don’t think temperament is a problem for the boy," added the United boss. "He has shown that many times. He’s only a kid and he could start games. He has started games in the past. But it’s been a hard season for him, it’s a long way back when you’re out for so many months, particularly coming into the level of the game against Bayern. I don’t think he’ll start on Wednesday, but I think he can play a part."

Placing too much burden on such young shoulders is unfair, but Macheda clearly excites supporters and he has a penchant for doing it in the big games - scoring a memorable winner against Aston Villa last season, and the following week at Sunderland, then striking against Chelsea at the weekend. Most of all, Sir Alex is glad to have such a promising talent available selection after a season blighted by injuries.

"He’s had a difficult season, he’s not played at all really due to injuries. We’ve only had him back in training with the first team for a month. We debated giving him football in the Reserves, but we felt training with us was more important. He came on against Bolton, and of course against Chelsea. So he is on his way back, and the boy has got talent. He is a talented penalty-box player."

Source: Man Utd

[CDev]

Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant that Manchester United are not overly concerned by the threat of Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

The two sides are preparing for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford with Bayern holding a 2-1 aggregate advantage.

Ribery was an influential figure in his team's first-leg victory in Germany as he battled with United's Gary Neville.

But Ferguson insists his side are not loosing sleep over the France international, who they have long been linked with, as they bid to overturn Bayern's lead.

"Franck Ribery is a very talented player and we recognise that," said the United boss. "But we have played against a lot of great players over the years.

"In the last round we had to face up to Ronaldinho. He is a very talented player and similar to Ribery in many ways with his ability to take the ball and the fact he is not afraid to take it no matter where the ball is and no matter the opponent.

"We cannot worry too much about Ribery's threat. You have to play against the top players in the world because that is what the European Cup is.

"That is why the tournament is so exciting. We have been in the Champions League for 17 years and that experience helps you."

Ferguson hopes that home advantage will prove decisive for United on Wednesday.

"Old Trafford has got that suction that brings the ball towards the goal when we are really in full flow and the crowd are really up for it," he said.

"It is an amazing feeling and there are too many instances to mention, but if you look at these moments when we decide games in the last 15 minutes, it is not always entirely down to the players. It is the fans who make it happen."

Source: Sky Sports

[CDev]

Bayern Munich sporting director Christian Nerlinger believes Saturday's vital Bundesliga win at Schalke will prove the ideal preparation for Wednesday night's Champions League clash at Manchester United.

Bayern moved to the top of the table by beating previous incumbents Schalke 2-1 at the weekend despite playing for the entire second half with 10 men following the dismissal of Hamit Altintop.

And Nerlinger is confident his side can preserve their 2-1 first-leg advantage against United at Old Trafford if they show the same battling qualities in the last-eight tie.

He told the Tz newspaper: "I thought we were outstanding in the first leg in Munich. Against Schalke we were the fitter team over the 90 minutes. And that makes me optimistic for tomorrow night."

Bayern's win against the Royal Blues means they are now overwhelming favourites to reclaim the Bundesliga crown they lost to Wolfsburg last season.

But Nerlinger insists there is still a lot of work to do.

"There is nothing decided yet, that is clear," he added.

"But what the team did against Schalke was exceptional. I am very satisfied."

Bayern are in the hunt for three titles this season as in addition to the Bundesliga and Champions League they have also advanced to the final of the DFB Pokal, where they will face Werder Bremen in Berlin on May 15.

And Nerlinger admits the club's season will ultimately be judged by the amount of silverware they manage to win.

"It would be presumptuous to expect three," he said. "But we are only measured in titles - the coach, the players, all of us.

"At the moment I can only stress what the team did against Schalke. For everything else we will see."

Source: Sporting Life

[CDev]

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United are still the favourites to progress from their Champions League quarter-final despite the German side going into Wednesday night's second leg with a 2-1 lead.

Bayern came from behind to secure their advantage in Munich last Tuesday with late strikes from Franck Ribery and Ivica Olic after Wayne Rooney had put United ahead in the second minute.

The hosts looked good value for their victory in the Allianz Arena, but Van Gaal feels his side remain underdogs for the return match at Old Trafford.

Asked if he saw United as the favourites for the tie, the Dutchman said: "Yes. They have scored an away goal and they are a great team.

"They have a lot of experience playing big games at home and of course, they will have the support of the crowd.

"Our team is quite a young one in that it consists of young players, so that is a different situation.

"It is going to be our team versus theirs tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes."

Rooney is a major doubt for United after he suffered an ankle ligament injury in the closing stages of the first leg.

Today Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson said there was "no chance" of the England striker featuring in the second leg - before admitting there was a slim chance he could be involved as a substitute - but Van Gaal insists he is not overly concerned whether Rooney plays or not.

Asked whether he thought Ferguson was trying to "play a game" by giving the impression Rooney would not be fit for the match, Van Gaal said: "I don't think that will happen, but when we played Fiorentina we were faced with a different team than we thought and that does happen in the football business.

"(But) I don't think Ferguson will do that and I'd also like to say that we did win a game with Rooney (playing) - it's not as if we can't win when Wayne Rooney is playing for Manchester United. We don't even need to win - a draw is fine."

Although Rooney is United's main threat in front of goal, Bayern midfielder Mark van Bommel is hoping the striker is involved, although he stressed Ferguson's charges should not be viewed as a one-man team.

"I'm hoping personally that he will play," Van Bommel said.

"It's important for the people watching the game and it's important for the Champions League overall.

"We hope that he will play, but if not, there are other players - Man United doesn't just consist of Wayne Rooney.

"He is a very good player but the whole team is very good. He scores a lot of goals for them and it is something they will be missing, but we are going to give our best tomorrow.

"With or without Rooney - it's really not important. We are going to give it our best shot."

Bayern's main injury concern has been winger Arjen Robben, who missed the first leg in Munich and Bayern's Bundesliga win over Schalke at the weekend with a calf strain but has been taking part in light training.

A late decision will be made on the fitness of the former Chelsea player after he came through the first 15 minutes of a training session at Old Trafford this evening which was open to the media.

Asked if he felt he could play a full part in the match, Robben said: "Yes, I hope so. I'm ready, I'm here and I didn't travel just to be in the stands."

Van Gaal would not be drawn on the likelihood of Robben being named in the Bayern first XI.

"It's always the trainer that makes the decision," Van Gaal said.

Source: Sporting Life

[CDev]

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wayne Rooney's goal against Bayern Munich last week could hold the key to Manchester United Champions League progress.

The Red Devils trail 2-1 from the first leg, but despite ruling his star striker out of a sensational return from the start in Wednesday night's return tie, Ferguson still believes Rooney's early strike at the Allianz Arena could prove crucial, with United needing only a 1-0 home victory to reach the semi-finals.

The United manager also beleives the home support at Old Trafford will play their part, as last season's finalists look to bounce back from two defeats on the trot.

Ferguson said: "Old Trafford has got that suction that brings the ball towards the goal when we are really in full flow and the crowd are really up for it," he said.

"It is an amazing feeling and there are too many instances to mention, but if you look at these moments when we decide games in the last 15 minutes, it is not always entirely down to the players. It is the fans who make it happen.

"Hopefully that is the case tomorrow night."

He continued: "The away goal does make a difference. There is absolutely no doubt about it because goals are hard to come by in the modern-day game," he said.

With Rooney not involved, Ferguson is aware United must get more support to Dimitar Berbatov and retain possession far better than they managed in either the first leg or the first half of the Chelsea game on Saturday, when the Red Devils were comprehensively outplayed.

Immediately after that game, Ferguson wore a slightly pessimistic air.

However, the Scot is now more bullish about booking a third semi-final appearance on the trot and a meeting with either Lyon or Bordeaux.

"I feel stronger about the game than I did on Saturday night," he said. "The players were all disappointed on Saturday, even at half-time, but they did something about it, which tells you they have plenty in the locker.

"To get to the semi-final of the European Cup is an incentive. It would be a fantastic achievement.

"Most people would think we have a good chance. I think we have a very good chance. There is still work to be done but this tie is not over."

Source: TEAMtalk