Manchester United’s travel to Marseille in the Champions League left a disappointed taste for many football fans especially the Red Devils fans as being the favorite, Sir Alex Ferguson put out a rather negative performance leading to a boring stalemate encounter.
Acknowledging the disappointment of their fans, Ferguson went out and promised a much more improved performance in the second leg, adding that despite it wasn’t a good game the result was acceptable.
Marseille made sure they did not lose. It was a poor game for the spectators. Nothing happened. You always worry at this stage of the season because there are no bad teams left in the competition, but we will have two or three players back and, whilst we won’t be taking anything for granted, this result is fine.” Ferguson said. “On our ground we will be much better. Scoring away from home is always important and we didn’t do that tonight.
Reviewing at past experiences, United fans will agree with Ferguson’s statement as in previous 2-3 seasons in the Champions League, the Red Devils normally get positive results when they are playing at Old Trafford. The possible return of Ryan Giggs for the second leg also boosted Fergie’s confidence as that would make him able to play Rooney more as a striker rather than covering the flank like on the Marseille game.
The way we normally set up, with Nani or Ryan Giggs on the left, gives us more natural width, but Wayne worked hard, as he always does. He has great spirit but he was better when we played him through the middle in a 4-4-2 at the end,” Ferguson added.
Moreover, United’s “success” in holding home team Marseille in a goalless draw last Wednesday, extend the Red Devils good defensive record in the Champions League this season as Ferguson’s team have been looking very solid in away games. However, one concern that might be noted by the English side is despite having a solid defense, they have been rather poor up front in Europe, scoring only seven goals so far despite finishing top of their group, this problem could really trouble their progress in Europe this year.
