With Wayne Rooney likely to be sidelined by a knee injury incurred on England duty last week, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to place his trust in Berbatov as the English champions attempt to defend a 3-2 first-leg advantage in their Champions League last 16 clash with AC Milan.
Ferguson is acutely aware that he has never got the better of a Milan squad in the competition and, having watched an irrepressible Rooney score twice in the San Siro last month, would have dearly loved to be able to unleash his top scorer once more on Wednesday.

Rooney however is unlikely to play any role in the match after succumbing to a knee injury that Ferguson has blamed on the heavy surface at Wembley, where the striker played 86 minutes for England on Wednesday, three days after featuring for United in their League Cup final win over Aston Villa.

With Michael Owen out for the rest of the season, Berbatov is destined for centre stage and the Bulgarian knows Old Trafford will be an unforgiving place if he fluffs his lines.

Ferguson has verged on the strident in his regular defences of Berbatov’s contribution to the cause, but United fans, many of whom are still pining for Carlos Tevez’s heart-on-the sleeve contributions, remain unconvinced of his value.

Rio Ferdinand, however, believes that the Bulgarian’s popularity with his teammates will eventually be mirrored by recognition from the Old Trafford masses.

“If we win the league this year, I think ‘Berba’ will be appreciated for what he has done,” Ferdinand said. “When you look at the statistics you can see he is one of the hardest runners in our team and that he covers the most ground.

“He is a bit languid but he really puts the effort in. At the training ground, he is always in the gym. It’s just his style of play, which means people see a different side to him.

“I don’t think that it actually reflects his importance to the team. He is appreciated by us and that is the most important thing.”

It is not only in attack that United’s options are restricted with, most significantly, Ryan Giggs still sidelined after breaking his arm, Michael Carrick suspended and England defender Wes Brown having joined an injury list already featuring Brazilian midfielder Anderson, back-up centreback Jonny Evans and Irish utility man John O’Shea.

History, in general terms, is on United’s side. They have never been knocked out of the competition when they have returned to Old Trafford with a lead at the half way stage of a tie.

When it comes to the particular however, recent memory is more chastening, Milan having triumphed in the 2007 semifinal thanks to a 3-0 win in the San Siro, following a 3-2 first-leg defeat at Old Trafford.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar recalled: “They played particularly well in the home leg here when we won 3-2 and Kaka scored two goals.

“Then at the San Siro, Clarence Seedorf was fantastic — he was excellent in both games actually. We got a good result in Milan and now we need to finish it off with a magic night at Old Trafford.”

Milan coach Leonardo will arrive in Manchester still unsure whether Alexandre Pato will be able to start, following the hamstring injury that kept the Brazilian prodigy out of Saturday’s goalless draw at Roma in Serie A.

The high-tempo German side had the best first half by far, with Brazilian-born striker Cacau, fresh from four goals against Cologne on Saturday, stunning the Catalans with a goal on 25 minutes.
A perfectly-delivered cross from Timo Gebhart found Cacau on the far post, who headed it powerfully past Victor Valdes’ outstretched arm.

Three minutes later Stuttgart had a strong shout for a penalty, for a handball, turned down by referee Bjorn Kuipers as Pavel Pogrebnyak’s cross hit Gerard Pique’s arm.

A string of other chances followed in the Mercedes-Benz Arena as the home side ran rings around the ragged defending European champions.

On 18 minutes, in one of Barca’s surprisingly rare forays into the Stuttgart half, Argentinian star Lionel Messi had a shot blocked, but their best chance came on 39 minutes as Messi shot from just outside the area.

Arsenal old boy Jens Lehmann got a hand to it, and the ball rolled perilously close to the target, only to hit the post and bounce back into the arms of a grateful keeper.

Barca took control in the second half as Stuttgart tired.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it 1-1 on 52 minutes, heading it past Lehmann at close range after the German managed to block his first attempt.

Stuttgart briefly looked dangerous on 63 minutes when Sami Khedira, an occasional feature in the German national side, had a chance to make it 2-1, but his shot went wide. Another chance came 10 minutes later.

Barca never looked like losing as the goal knocked the stuffing out of Stuttgart and they became increasingly desperate.

In the last 10 minutes, Barca slowed the tempo right down, and the tired Germans hardly got a look-in.

On 67 minutes, a shot from Ibrahimovic hit Italian defender Cristian Molinaro on the upper arm on the goal line, but no handball was given.

The Catalans were almost back to full strength with the return from injury of midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who had a thigh strain, and Ibrahimovic.

Still absent though, was defender Dani Alves, out of action since earlier in the month with a leg muscle problem, as well as Malian midfielder Seydou Keita and French defender Eric Abidal.

Despite scoring Barca’s second of four against Racing Santander on Saturday, fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry started on the bench, a place becoming painfully familiar to the 32-year-old former Arsenal star.

However, he came on early in the second half, replacing Yaya Toure.

United had already qualified for the knockout stages but they still need a point from their visit to Wolfsburg – who lost 2-1 to CSKA Moscow – in a fortnight to wrap up top spot.

Germany’s ailing four-time champions Bayern Munich kept their hopes alive and handed a much needed lifeline to coach Louis van Gaal with a 1-0 win at home to bottom-placed Maccabi Haifa.

Bordeaux did them a favour by beating Juventus 2-0 to ensure they finish top of their group while Chelsea also ensured they finished top with an efficient 1-0 win away at Porto.

Nine-time champions Real Madrid took a huge step towards securing their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over FC Zurich.

AC Milan failed to keep pace with Real in the same group as they were held 1-1 by Marseille in what has been a bad week in general for Italian clubs in the competition.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a largely young side and was proud of the way they played even if it meant the undefeated home run came to an end.

“I think we were a bit anxious but its not a bad thing – they’re young and you expect that,” said the Scot.

“It was a stellar performance in terms of the flow of the game and we’ve shown some really good things,” added Ferguson, who said he might yet field a similar side against Wolfsburg.

Despite Real Madrid’s victory coach Manuel Pellegrini was far from satisfied.

“Of course we are anxious because the team is not playing as was expected,” said Pellegrini.

“The results are good but is not the type of football that please me nor the football that the team are looking to play.”

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, who was a member of the Marseille side that beat Milan in the 1993 Champions League final, was not happy as his side could easily have won the match.

“It is not a very good result, because we needed to win,” said Deschamps, who guided Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final.

“Seeing what my team did here, there was every chance we should have won.

“However, the dream is still possible. We have a small chance.” Bayern Munich took a long time to take the lead over Haifa side but Ivica Olic finally calmed the restive supporters when he scored in the second-half to keep their hopes alive.

Van Gaal, who won the trophy with Ajax in 1995, breathed a sigh of relief.

“Of course, we are all very relieved to get the win,” said van Gaal.

“The team played well and we are pleased to have got our destiny back into our own hands.”

Despite being beaten by Bordeaux Juventus’ coach Ciro Ferrara remained optimistic that they would progres.

“We weren’t good tonight – but our destiny is still in our own hands,” insisted Ferrara.

“The defeat does not compromise our chances of qualification, even if we wanted to sort that out tonight. I think Juve are strong enough to get through this round and beat Bayern at home. It won’t be easy, but we can do it.

Wolfsburg could still progress were they and CSKA to finish on the same points based on head to heads as they beat the Russian side 3-1 in their first meeting.

Wolfsburg manager Armin Veh said he was upset both with the defeat and the missed chance to qualify for the last 16.

“We were in complete control of play in the first half,” he said. “But after the break we played too loosely in defence. Necid scored from seven metres with an unopposed header. We should never allow him to do that.

“Krasic scored a fantastic goal but still everything is in our hands. We just need to beat Manchester United.”

Chelsea laboured for the majority of their match and against the run of play Nicolas Anelka headed home with under 20 minutes remaining.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti, saluted his men.

“To finish top of our group was our objective, it was the most important thing. This means we could have a good draw. It is not easy to come here and win. The Champions League is our aim.”

Ronaldinho’s penalty cancelled out Karim Benzema’s opener for the visitors as the stalemate left both teams a point clear of Marseille, who thrashed FC Zurich 6-1, at the top of Group C.

There was no revenge for Madrid for their 3-2 defeat to the Italians at the Bernabeu two weeks ago but they were the better side, particularly before the break.

It was all Real at the start of the first half as the visitors dominated, much like they did in the early stages of the home match.

On six minutes a deflected Benzema shot was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Dida while Sergio Ramos fired just wide in the 13th minute.

Just after that Gonzalo Higuain made space for himself on the edge of the box but curled his effort over before Benzema held off Alessandro Nesta in the area after latching onto Marcelo’s pass in the 20th minute but fired wide of the far post.

Milan finally came to life in the 24th minute with a quick break as Clarence Seedorf fed Alexandre Pato who cut inside Alvaro Arbeloa but Iker Casillas came out and spread himself well to block the Brazilian’s shot.

Real deservedly went in front in the 29th minute as former Milan star Kaka beat Seedorf on the edge of the area and fired in a fierce daisy cutter that was too hot for Dida to handle, allowing Benzema to fire the rebound into the far corner for his first goal in seven matches.

But ten minutes from the break Ronaldinho equalised from the spot after Pepe was harshly penalised for handball when he slid in rashly to block Zambrotta’s cross, the ball hitting his arm from barely a yard away.

Moments later Pato brilliantly took a long ball from Andrea Pirlo on his chest, held off Raul Albiol and shot past Casillas and in off the far post but he was penalised for a foul that was not clear, although the Brazilian didn’t protest.

The first clear chance of the second period went to Milan but captain Massimo Ambrosini somehow headed Pirlo’s free-kick miles wide from five yards out.

Just as they had done in Madrid, Milan were giving a much better account of themselves in the second half and Marco Borriello rose highest in the box but glanced his header from Pirlo’s corner well wide.

In the last ten minutes Filippo Inzaghi came on for Borriello and he came within inches of scoring a winner when Pato’s right wing cross found him eight yards out but falling over he directed the ball up and onto the roof of the net.

And another sub, Raul of Real, was denied in the last minute as Dida, making up for his gaffe in Spain, made a stunning one-handed save to deny the Spaniard,

French champions Bordeaux joined them as they earned an impressive 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in Munich, while Porto can also look forward to Champions League football in the spring after winning 1-0 at APOEL Nicosia.

Chelsea came from 1-0 down to draw 2-2 with Atletico Madrid – Didier Drogba scoring both goals on his return from a three-match Champions League suspension.

United had to come from even further behind as they trailed 3-1 late into the match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford before two goals levelled matters and pushed them through.

United were always on the back foot against the Russians, having trailed 1-0 before levelling at 1-1 through Michael Owen.

However, they went into the break 2-1 down and just after Sir Alex Ferguson had called for better defending at half time they were 3-1 down after Vasili Berezutski nodded in.

Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes, though, gave the hosts hope with a header from Gary Neville’s cross and Russian heartbreak was confirmed as Georgy Shchennikov deflected in Antonio Valencia’s shot in injury time.

CSKA were reduced to ten men shortly before the final whistle when Deividas Sembreras was sent-off.

Chelsea had failed to make the most of their chances in the first half and were made to pay as Diego Maradona’s son-in-law Sergio Aguero volleyed the Spaniards ahead shortly after coming on as a substitute.

The visitors levelled with the clock running down for half time when Drogba met Florent Malouda’s cross and the Ivory Coast star looked set for a fairytale comeback when he added a second, only for the hosts to equalise through an exquisite Aguero free-kick at the death.

AC Milan and Real Madrid’s group has become one of the tightest as the two giants fought out a 1-1 draw in Milan, while rivals Marseille thrashed FC Zurich 6-1 to stand just a point behind the duo.

Milan and Real shared the spoils at the San Siro, with both goals coming in the first half.

Karim Benzema got his first goal in seven matches for the visitors before Ronaldinho drew Milan level from the penalty spot.

Marseille had wrapped things up shortly after half time as captain Mamadou Niang was on hand to round off a nicely worked move by the French side to make it 3-1 against FC Zurich.

Marseille had left the blocks brilliantly, leading 2-0 after 11 minutes through an own goal from Silvan Aegerter and a Fabrice Abriel free-kick that stood despite several of the home side appearing to be offside.

They capped a fine evening’s work when Hilton stroked home a delightful right-footed effort from outside the box with less than ten minutes remaining and added two more for good measure late on to complete the rout.

Marseille’s fellow French side Bordeaux qualified after securing a splendid 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich after French international Yoann Gourcuff netted in the first half and Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh sealed victory late on in the second half.

Bayern’s position is even more precarious given that Juventus beat Maccabi Haifa 1-0 in Israel — World Cup winner Mauro Camoranesi scoring in the first half — to move onto eight points, four clear of Bayern with two matches remaining.

With his 65 goals still leading the way in Europe’s premier club competition, Raul made a little piece of history on Saturday when his 711th game for Real made him the club’s all-time leading appearance holder.

To top beating legendary Real defender Manolo Sanchis’s record of 710 games, Raul also scored twice in the 4-2 defeat of Valladolid.

And no one would bet against him stretching his European record on Wednesday when Real Leonardo’s Milan side – seven-times winners of the trophy – visit the Santiago Bernabeu.

Milan will arrive in the Spanish capital with a desire to return in May 2010, when Real’s stadium hosts the final.

And the Italian giants should be in buoyant mood having claimed a valuable come-from-behind 2-1 win at home to Roma on Saturday – only the third time this season in ten matches Milan had scored more than a single goal.

“This win is worth a lot more than three points,” said Leonardo, who hailed the “incredible spirit” of his team on Sunday.

Real, with six points from two games and well within sight of gaining early qualification to the knockout round, will be giving nothing away for free.

And defender Sergio Ramos has called for his side to step up against what he called an impressive opponent.

“It is time to see Real Madrid’s true colours against an opponent that has won a lot of European Cups and who we really respect,” he said.

Raul, typically, played down his personal achievements as he looked forward to his 712th appearance for the club.

“I am thinking about Wednesday as we have another important European game (against AC Milan) and we have to prepare for it,” said Raul.

Elsewhere in Group C Marseille have no choice but to beat FC Zurich at the Velodrome if they are to salvage a winless, and point-less, campaign so far.

After defeats to Milan (1-2) and Real (0-3) Didier Deschamps’ side are propping up the table, with even Zurich – minnows in comparative terms -sitting second on three points.

Bordeaux have a far better chance of finishing among the top two and joining the first knockout round.

But despite a positive start to Group A with four points from two games, Bordeaux host Bayern Munich in something of an identity crisis.

Amid their search for the goals that strike duo Yoann Gourcuff and Marouane Chamakh were knocking in regularly in August, Bordeaux suffered their first defeat of the league campaign, against Auxerre, on Saturday.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has opted not to risk Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who injured his knee in the scoreless draw at home to Juventus on October 1.

Juventus will be looking forward to claiming their first win of Group A when they host basement side Maccabi Haifa in Turin.

Like Real, Manchester United and Chelsea are looking to make it three wins out of three when they face CSKA Moscow and Atletico Madrid respectively.

CSKA have three points from two games having been beaten at Wolfsburg and then beating Besiktas 2-1 at home.

United would normally be confident of winning in Moscow but they will be missing five key players in midfielders Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung, defender Patrice Evra and striker Wayne Rooney.

Giggs and Evra picked up injuries playing against Bolton.

FIXTURES

Wednesday

Group A
Bordeaux v Bayern Munich
Juventus v Maccabi Haifa Live on SS6

Group B
CSKA Moscow v Manchester United Live on SS3
VfL Wolfsburg v Besiktas

Group C
Real Madrid v AC Milan Live on SS3
FC Zurich v Marseille

Group D
FC Porto v APOEL FC Live on SS5
Chelsea v Atletico Madrid Live on SS7

Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Park ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher also failed to travel with the squad to Russia on Monday, the club’s website (www.manutd.com) reported.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov and defender Nemanja Vidic both flew to Moscow and should be fit, manager Alex Ferguson said.

“I’m hopeful Vidic will be all right, but he’ll certainly be ready for the Liverpool game (on Sunday),” he said.

United are top of Group B with six points after victories against Wolfsburg and Besiktas.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

United opened their attempt to get to a third consecutive Champions League final with a 1-0 victory against Besiktas in their first match and Wolfsburg defeated CSKA Moscow to set up a tie that could have significant implications for the Group B final standings.

United will start favourites after proving formidable at home in European competition in recent years and they have also won six successive domestic encounters – as well as that Besiktas clash – since their shock Premier League loss to Burnley.

Their last win came at Stoke City on Saturday and one of the goal-scorers in that match, John O’Shea, is determined that seven consecutive wins will become eight against Wolfsburg.

“We knew we had to put a good run together after the Burnley defeat which was a freak result,” he said.

“We’ve always responded well to results like that with a great run of victories, but the games keep on coming and we’ve got to keep that run going.”

United’s last match at Old Trafford was against rivals Manchester City and ended in a narrow 4-3 victory, with goalkeeper Ben Foster to blame for City’s opening goal after dwelling over a clearance.

He redeemed himself at the weekend and will be looking to erase recent doubts about his form against Wolfsburg, something team-mate and defender Nemanja Vidic is confident will occur.

“I feel very comfortable with Ben in goal and I have great confidence in him,” he said. “The more games you play with the same keeper or the same defenders, the more you learn how to play with each other.”

Despite Vidic’s confidence, Foster knows that Wolfsburg will present a stern test because United will be up against the most formidable scoring partnership in the history of German football.

Brazilian Grafite and Edin Dzeko of Bosnia scored 54 goals between them last season as Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga for the first time.

Dzeko grabbed 26 with Grafite getting the remaining 28 and although United have not lost a Champions League home match since February 2005, when they lost 1-0 to AC Milan, Grafite believes he can help end that run.

“We are looking forward to going there,” he said. “We want to have a good match and bring back one or three points. That is our objective.

“This is a team that has grown together, has had difficulties together but is going through a marvellous period together. There is a brotherhood together on the pitch and in the dressing room.” Grafite’s strike partner agreed and is thrilled by the prospect of playing at Old Trafford.

“It will be something unbelievable to play Manchester United,” he said.

“It’s a chance for me to play against some of the best defensive players in Europe, and I want to show that I can play on the big stage.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

The decision follows the angry scenes that marred Chelsea’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona after a 1-1 draw between the clubs in the second leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on May 6.

“Drogba and Bosingwa were facing charges of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and by making offensive comments,” read a statement on the Uefa website.

“Drogba’s suspension applies to the next four Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible, while Bosingwa’s suspension applies to the next three Uefa club competition matches for which the player would be eligible.”

Chelsea crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition after Andres Iniesta’s injury-time equaliser for Barcelona took the Catalans through to the final on the away goals rule.

The Blues had a number of penalty appeals turned down during the match by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and Ivory Coast international Drogba, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to harangue the official after the final whistle.

Portuguese defender Bosingwa, meanwhile, likened Ovrebo to a “thief” in a post-match interview before withdrawing his comments.

The club and the players have three days in which to appeal the decision.

Chelsea have also been fined €100 000 for “the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters”.

The Premier League club issued a statement from London, saying: “Chelsea Football Club is considering our response to the Uefa punishment that sees Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended for European games and the club fined.”

Our team selection is based on all club performances in domestic and European competitions. The side lines up in a fashionable 4-3-3 formation, allowing the brilliant Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to play wide in front of a three-man midfield.

There might not be too many tacklers in there, but the inclusion of Nemanja Vidic at the back should ensure opposition attacks are thwarted by fair means or foul.

Seven divisions are represented, with recognition for the surprise league titles won by Wolfsburg, Bordeaux and AZ Alkmaar.

We are sure you will have your own ideas, so feel free to leave your Team of the Season at the bottom of the page!

TEAM OF THE SEASON

Goalkeeper: Shay Given (Newcastle United/Manchester City)

If he had stayed at St James’ Park in January, Newcastle would still be a Premier League side. His phenomenal shot-stopping gave City some much-needed security.

Right-back: Maicon (Internazionale)

The marauding Brazilian just edges Barcelona’s Dani Alves as he is a slightly better defender. A key part of Inter’s Serie A title-winning effort.

Centre-back: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Uncharacteristic nightmares against Liverpool and Barcelona aside, Vidic hardly put a foot wrong all season. Strong, brave and uncompromising – every team needs a Vidic.

Centre-back: Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar)

Louis van Gaal’s Alkmaar side conceded just 22 goals on their way to a first Eredivisie title since 1981, with the old hand Jaliens playing a major role.

Left-back: Aly Cissokho (Vitoria/FC Porto)

The Frenchman arrived at Porto in January and immediately made a stunning impact as his new side won a domestic double and impressed in the Champions League.

Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

The inspirational Anfield skipper continues to get better. He scored a career-best 24 goals, and it seemed half of those were stoppage time screamers.

Midfield: Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux)

Countless players have been called the ‘new Zidane’, but in Gourcuff’s case the comparison might just be right. Starred as Bordeaux knocked Lyon off their perch.

Midfield: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

His performance in the Champions League final alone might have been worth a place, but the Spain midfielder sparkled throughout Barcelona’s treble campaign.

Right wing: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Outshone Cristiano Ronaldo in Rome and will probably be elected the world’s best player. Messi’s astonishing dribbling ability makes him a joy to watch.

Centre-forward: Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg)

The giant Bosnian went from obscurity to stardom with a superb 26-goal campaign in tandem with strike partner Grafite, as Wolfsburg won their first league title.

Left wing: Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)


Lit up an otherwise disappointing season for Bayern and might retain his player of the season award. Wanted by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts