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English Angle: Marvellous Manchester United, But Advantage Inter
The Champions League holders were a class apart from their Italian opponents, but find themselves in a weaker position going into the second leg, writes Goal.com's Sulmaan Ahmad...
25-Feb-2009 9:59:24 PM
Yet another stalemate between two mates who are anything but stale. Sir Alex Ferguson's enthusiasm, adaptability and unpredictable edge remain as sharp as ever. He may have an inferior head-to-head record against the Jose Mourinho, but his Manchester United side certainly won on points last night at San Siro. And yet, the 'Special One' has not let a new challenge slow him down too much with
Inter; he still can and will engineer a result out of almost any situation.
Last night's game was in a sense symptomatic of the previous between Sir Alex and Jose. United were the more free-spirited side, yet the industry of Inter saw them through to a result that, while on the face of things was very much underwhelming, actually means the odds are now stacked ever so slightly in their favour.
Put aside the preconceived notion that teams should win at home and consider what is the counter-productive and utterly redundant reality of the away goals rule, which could allow Inter to progress with a draw, while the English, European and world champions will need nothing short of victory.
How much harder is it really to score away from home? It is a presumption fast becoming outdated and in the end becomes very much relative to each game being taken as it comes. Jose was desperate to win at San Siro; he played with three target-men as the game drew to a close and was fuming at full-time upon being held to a draw, venting his frustration at the referee.
Upon reflection, he will realise it was simply wounded pride from being outplayed that prompted such a reaction. It was surprising; the Portuguese at his most poised would have kept his post-match comments much more controlled and concise. On paper, it was a good result - that should be all that enters his mind between now and the second leg.
Sir Alex will be confident and apprehensive in equal measure. No doubt overjoyed with the strength shown by his fringe players and the seamless tactical readjustment to the 4-5-1, the worry will lie in the fact that Mourinho has been a draw specialist at Old Trafford throughout his managerial career. It is true that the Red Devils found themselves in this exact situation after coming away from Camp Nou in last year's semi-final against Barcelona, but that was a Blaugrana side on the way down, while Inter remain on the rise with plenty to prove.
United proved they are the better football team. Inter were lacking a playmaker; Dejan Stankovic did not (or could not) do enough and despite being at home, the Nerazzurri could barely keep the ball. The fans did not approve. The likes of Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs operated with a degree of ease under the protection of Darren Fletcher, with Cristiano Ronaldo a formidable goal-threat.
What was missing was more link-up play with lone frontman Dimitar Berbatov. That's where the Wayne Rooney factor comes into play, and at home, it may be Giggs who is sacrificed as opposed to Fletcher, if for no other reason than to ensure the likes of Sulley Muntari and Esteban Cambiasso don't outmuscle the Mancunians in midfield.
The key factor for Inter remains that they are a team built not to lose, so their inability to grind out wins against the best and brightest won't necessarily hold them back in a tie of this nature. United will not be dominated. They are faster and more skillful than Inter; even being hit on the break should not be a concern. As long as they match the Nerazzurri for strength and discipline, they should be able to edge the tie by the odd goal.
They should, but they won't. Without even meaning to, Jose got a deceptively dangerous result last night and it will serve him well on his way into the quarter-finals.
Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
Last night's game was in a sense symptomatic of the previous between Sir Alex and Jose. United were the more free-spirited side, yet the industry of Inter saw them through to a result that, while on the face of things was very much underwhelming, actually means the odds are now stacked ever so slightly in their favour.
Put aside the preconceived notion that teams should win at home and consider what is the counter-productive and utterly redundant reality of the away goals rule, which could allow Inter to progress with a draw, while the English, European and world champions will need nothing short of victory.
How much harder is it really to score away from home? It is a presumption fast becoming outdated and in the end becomes very much relative to each game being taken as it comes. Jose was desperate to win at San Siro; he played with three target-men as the game drew to a close and was fuming at full-time upon being held to a draw, venting his frustration at the referee.
Upon reflection, he will realise it was simply wounded pride from being outplayed that prompted such a reaction. It was surprising; the Portuguese at his most poised would have kept his post-match comments much more controlled and concise. On paper, it was a good result - that should be all that enters his mind between now and the second leg.
Sir Alex will be confident and apprehensive in equal measure. No doubt overjoyed with the strength shown by his fringe players and the seamless tactical readjustment to the 4-5-1, the worry will lie in the fact that Mourinho has been a draw specialist at Old Trafford throughout his managerial career. It is true that the Red Devils found themselves in this exact situation after coming away from Camp Nou in last year's semi-final against Barcelona, but that was a Blaugrana side on the way down, while Inter remain on the rise with plenty to prove.
United proved they are the better football team. Inter were lacking a playmaker; Dejan Stankovic did not (or could not) do enough and despite being at home, the Nerazzurri could barely keep the ball. The fans did not approve. The likes of Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs operated with a degree of ease under the protection of Darren Fletcher, with Cristiano Ronaldo a formidable goal-threat.
What was missing was more link-up play with lone frontman Dimitar Berbatov. That's where the Wayne Rooney factor comes into play, and at home, it may be Giggs who is sacrificed as opposed to Fletcher, if for no other reason than to ensure the likes of Sulley Muntari and Esteban Cambiasso don't outmuscle the Mancunians in midfield.
The key factor for Inter remains that they are a team built not to lose, so their inability to grind out wins against the best and brightest won't necessarily hold them back in a tie of this nature. United will not be dominated. They are faster and more skillful than Inter; even being hit on the break should not be a concern. As long as they match the Nerazzurri for strength and discipline, they should be able to edge the tie by the odd goal.
They should, but they won't. Without even meaning to, Jose got a deceptively dangerous result last night and it will serve him well on his way into the quarter-finals.
Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com
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