Rafael da Silva latest to miss Champions League trip
23 February 09 by Bill
Even with Rafael in the team, United were going to struggle to put out a defence against Internazionale tomorrow evening at the San Siro. The United squad boarded a plane and departed Manchester airport this morning with only six recognised defenders. And Rafael was not one of them.
Despite being expected to start in the first leg of the Red’s last 16 encounter with the Serie A leaders, Rafael has instead missed the trip due to an injury picked up in the 2 – 1 victory over Blackburn. What an expensive three points that is turning out to be.
It now means United have just four fit defenders in their squad: Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Richard Eckersley and Fabio da Silva. John O’Shea and Jonny Evans have made the trip despite being ruled doubtful and highly doubtful by the boss respectively. Still, Fergie is hopeful desperate to have one if not both at his disposal come kick off.
The latest set-back does mean that United’s back four may consist of both rather than either Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher. Fletcher has been utilised at right-back on more than one occasion and has deputised dutifully. If Ferguson was thinking about playing Rafael, a straight swap shouldn’t cause the Scot too much of a headache.
Other than the defence, United are at all but full strength with only Anderson missing from the rest of the squad. New signing Zoran Tosic has travelled despite not being eligible to play in a bonding exercise which indicates Ferguson has plans for the youngster in the coming weeks which could spell trouble for Nani.
The Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Edin van der Sar, Tomas Kuszczak, Ben Foster
Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Richard Eckersley, Fabio da Silva, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans
Midfielders: Ryan Giggs, Luis Nani, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Rodrigo Possebon, Darron Gibson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher, Ji-sung Park
Strikers: Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Danny Welbeck, Dimitar Berbatov
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Fm Singapore Manu Fan,
I sense the typical mind game of SAF is at work, and also a new game plan to countered a great tactician like Mourinho – a formidable foe or nemesis of SAF.
True, I believe Wes Brown and Gary Neville have not fully recovered, but I still wouldn’t want to play them, esp. in the CL when they have make so little appearances. Although Neville has played more than Brown, his performance has not been impressive enough to regain his 1st team status. In fact, I truly believes his best day are ‘way overtime’. I would be more than worry if he is playing in any crucial match or equally strong opponents.
Remember, it is the CL Trophy that SAF cherish the most. I will be “damn surprised” if he is bringing both ’supposedly’ injured Evans and O’Shea over to San Siro just to see whether they will heal in time or not to play in that game.
If my guess is correct, SAF will play the both of them, if neccessary. They may have received slight knocks but I am pretty sure they have recovered enough otherwise they won’t be flying.
I believe the backline would be: Evra, Rio, Evans, O’Shea (based on their experience in the CL). Fabio or Eckersley have zero experience, and will leave room for Mourinho to exploit. I pray I will see this backline when the team appeared live on TV.
If the central defenders’ woes are true, then only either Carrick or Fletcher may be absorbed into the backline. My preference is Fletcher but the biggest concern is that he tend to be a bit brash in his tackles, and regularly give away dangerous freekicks outside the box in the central areas. But if there is no choice, HE IS THE MAN. I don’t trust Carrick enough. He turns too slow, his burst of pace is not good enough, and he is not agressive enough. He is only good enough to cover the back 4 only.
If one of the newbie backs was to play, I hope Fabio is the chosen one. Eckersley may be as good in tackling up and down with pace but Fabio has more creativity and dribbling skills. Hope he will turn out to be another fabulous gem from the Brazilian line for producing fantastic wingbacks.
Midfields and Forwards wise, Manu can match any teams in the world, pound for pound.
Anxiously, looking forward to an exciting match and hoping the backline will be as written above.
If that is the case, Manu to win 3-1. Hihi Hurrah!!! Or at least 2-1, I pray!!!
Singapore
Eddy
Singapore eddie,
You made some good points there, i also believe that at least one of o shea or evans will play, maybe even both, if not then i wouldn’t have a problem with Carrick slotting in there, true its not his natural position but he’s a very intelligent player and can adapt, if we play our usual cautious but hitting on the counter attack game in europe then i think we’ll get a result, especially with the roonster back, i believe that from now until the end of the season we’re gonna see the best form ever from wayne, if anyones gonna score tonight it’ll be him