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Manchester United Comment: Reserves Can Prove Worth Of Dead Rubber Against Besiktas

Second string to the fore for CL battle...

Nov 24, 2009 11:50:05 AM

Gabriel Obertan, Manchester United (Getty Images)

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Gabriel Obertan, Manchester United (Getty Images)

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With qualification assured, the Manchester United players could be excused for putting their feet up, but for some, Wednesday night is the time to shine.

The hard work is done and United’s name is already in the hat for the knockout stages of the Champions League after a dominant display in Group B. Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to take the chance to showcase the strength of his squad for the visit of bottom of the table Besiktas.

Eyes are already on the long trip to bogey side Portsmouth in the Premier League at the weekend. Star men such as Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Edwin Van der Sar are going to be warming the bench on a cold Old Trafford night to make way for the second string.

Darron Gibson

Irish rover | Gibson can push case for more starts

Now is the time for Gibson to forget his international disappointment with an Old Trafford cameo to remember.

The wounds of the Republic of Ireland’s bitter defeat at the hands of France are fresh for the youngster who was on the pitch as Thierry Henry took a decisive hand in proceedings. That was a blow, but the 22-year-old has excelled every time he has been picked to play for his club.

Hull City fans will recall his thunderbolt on the last day of last season in May and a repeat show could push him up the reckoning. Darren Fletcher is the central midfield general, but the slot as second in command is still up for grabs.

Gabriel Obertan

Form Frenchman | Winger is proving his worth

Ferguson may have plucked Obertan out of the bargain bin but his performances so far have been more Harrods than Primark.

Exciting substitute appearances are the norm, but the Besiktas game could see a first start since his League Cup debut in October. This would be just reward for the Frenchman who has grasped his United chance with both hands.

Nani’s self-imposed exile after his choice words about the manager has opened the door. A stirring display from Obertan will make the right kind of impression.

Ben Foster

Glove affair | Foster needs games for World Cup

In the running for a World Cup berth with England, but down the pecking order for United, Foster is in a strange situation.

A disastrous spell between the sticks during the autumn has seen a public loss of faith from Ferguson. This hasn’t been mirrored by Fabio Capello, and the United third choice wore the No.1 jersey for the recent clash with Brazil.

Game time is vital if Foster is to prove he can help the Three Lions to glory in South Africa. With Van der Sar’s ageing bones rested, tomorrow night could be the start of getting back into the good books at Old Trafford.

Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK

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