Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to rest his first choice central defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for tonight’s Champions League clash with Rangers.
Chris Smalling – who has started three of the four European games so far - and Jonny Evans are expected to deputise after not featuring since the Carling Cup win over Wolves in October.
Darren Fletcher is also rested from a return north of the border, whilst Gary Neville and Darron Gibson also miss the cut. Wayne Rooney will start the game as he continues his comeback from an ankle injury and Dimitar Berbatov has returned to the squad after being left out of the weekend defeat of Wigan Athletic.
The trip to Ibrox is the first of five games in three competitions over just thirteen days as United do battle on three fronts before crunch games against Arsenal and Chelsea open up the hectic Christmas period.
The Reds currently sit top of Group C - three points ahead of Valencia who host whipping boys Bursaspor at the Mestalla. Ferguson’s men would need to lose in Glasgow and at home to Valencia in the final game to lose grip on top spot and theoretically an easier draw ahead of the last sixteen knock-out’s in February.
The Gers provided obdurate resistance in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in September, but the likelihood is that they will have to be more offensive this time around as they go in search of the win they need to stand much chance of progressing from the group.
Whilst the game is far from a must-win for United, they travel to Scotland still striving for the level of performance which has eluded them so far this season. The concept of the Reds playing below par but winning has eclipsed a plethora of ordinary showings, and although winning when playing poorly is an art perfected by champions – Ferguson will be keen to see his side find greater coherence.
Privy to that will be the formation of an effective strike combination. With Rooney off colour at the start of the season, Berbatov took up the goals mantle but the Bulgarian hasn’t notched since his hat-trick against Liverpool in September. Javier Hernandez has remained United’s most consistent forward threat so far but with age and inexperience against him, an enthusiastic support role from the bench would be Ferguson’s preference with Rooney and Berbatov finally developing into the partnership they were paired to provide.
Despite being at the club for two full seasons, Berbatov has not actually enjoyed a sustained spell alongside Rooney to forge an understanding. The majority of his first year saw United adopt a quasi 4-3-3 to accommodate the roving Cristiano Ronaldo, with Rooney chosen as the spearhead for much of Berbatov’s second campaign.
This time around Ferguson has reverted back to his previously trusted 4-4-2 which makes a two-pronged strike duo compatible. On paper, the two are ideally suited as either can play furthest forward or just off the other - potentially making an intriguing and inspiring tandem.
However, paper ends up in the bin and it is on-field where the two-some need to click. The timing of their matrimony isn’t the best with Rooney still finding his feet with Berbatov seemingly having lost his. Match minutes would be the logical counselling for the couple to work on their individual and collective differences, and if they can find common ground, it could and should lead to happier times ahead for Manchester United.
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