UEFA Champions League 2009 - Manchester United Profile

Take a look at the Red Devils' path in the 2009 Champions League...

Dec 18, 2009 12:03:00 PM

More On :  Man Utd.
Standing Up For The Champions: Manchester United players celebrate a third consecutive Premier League crown (PA)

Manchester United

Previous Best: Winners (1968, 1999, 2008)
Betting Odds: 10.00 w/ Titanbet


Path to the Knockout Stages

Summary: Manchester United's rollercoaster ride at the group stage saw them win the first three fixtures, before stumbling towards the finish line. A dominant 3-1 win at Wolfsburg sealed top spot, with Michael Owen's hat trick providing the highlight of the round. In full flight, the Premier League champions' form was ominous, but the shock 1-0 defeat to Besiktas showcased a worrying fallibility.

    Pts P W D L F A

 Man Utd.
 13 6 4 1 1 10 6

 CSKA
10 6 3 1 2 10 10

 VfL Wolfsburg
 7 6 2 1 3 9 8

 Besiktas
 4 6 1 1 4 3 8

1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
(A)
 (H)
 (A) (H) (H) (A)
Won 1-0
 Won 2-1
 Won 1-0
 Drew 3-3
 Lost 1-0
 Won 3-1

Season Synopsis

United have made a promising start to the Premier League season and have accumulated more points than at the same stage last year. They are currently in second place, three points behind Chelsea. A defensive crisis currently threatens their lofty standing though, with eight first choice players sitting on the treatment table.

Troubles on the road have resulted in defeats to Burnley, Liverpool and Chelsea, while last weekend's home reversal to Aston Villa was only their second in 2009. Although well placed behind the Blues, several stuttering performances have proved the difficulty that the club has faced in filling the void left by the summer exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tactics

Tactical Approach: Sir Alex Ferguson has reverted between a traditional 4-4-2, with two flying wingers, and a more conservative 4-5-1 with Wayne Rooney ploughing a lone furrow up front. Both have resulted in a mix of stirring wins and shocking defeats, with no set shape yet to cement itself in the manager's mind.

Coach: Ferguson has stuck to the task of winning football matches in his usual ruthless manner. Dissension from Nani was dealt with quickly, summer signings Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan have been bloodied on the flanks and the growing injury list hasn't caused too many problems. Supporters may dissect his decision not to splash the cash in the last transfer window, but he has still set up a fearsome team.



Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

 Weaknesses
  • A talisman the envy of all others in Wayne Rooney.
  • Best away record in the CL of all-time.
  • Winning culture ingrained in the squad.
  • Cataclysmic defensive injury list hurts chances.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo-shaped void still not filled.
  • Central midfield still raises question marks.

Knockout Draw

Manchester United will face AC Milan in the first knock-out round.

Group stage head-to-head - taken as an average over all six games

Man Utd

 Stats Average
 AC Milan
1.67
 Goals Scored
 1.33
1
 Goals Conceded
 1.17
17.83
 Total Shots
 12.5
8.3
 Shots On Target
 3.83
1
 Yellow Cards
 2.33
0
 Red Cards
 0
11.67
 Fouls
 14.83
5.67
 Offsides
 5.33
56.40%
 Possession
 52.83%

Word From The Editor

"It's the draw neither side wanted, but one in which United have a lot more to lose. Milan's recent hoodoo over them in the CL, combined with the return of the prodigal son, David Beckham, means that Fergie's side are under pressure. Last year's finalists have the strength to win on paper, but Milan's European pedigree will give the Old Trafford men some sleepness nights. " --Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com International
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