The clash between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho is back yet again and this could boil up this time as only one man can progress to the next round. Sir Alex Ferguson is chasing for his second successive UCL trophy,while Jose Mourinho wants to prove that he is still the “Special One”.
Manchester United and Inter Milan have met three times before in European competition. Ten years ago, the clubs met at the quarter final stage of the CL with United progressing on a 3-1 aggregate and two weeks ago the first leg of this tie ended in a 0-0 draw.
Manchester United have hosted an Italian club on 15 occasions, losing twice (against Juventus and AC Milan), winning 11 and drawing two.
Internazionale have won three of their 13 visits to English clubs (against Norwich City, Newcastle United and Arsenal). Of the others, one was drawn, nine lost.
Ryan Giggs (United) and Javier Zanetti (Inter) played in all three matches.
Manchester United
The injury cloud hanging over John O’Shea (heel) and Rio Ferdinand (ankle) has cleared in time for kick-off. Right-backs Wes Brown (metatarsal), Rafael (ankle) and Gary Neville (illness) are still out, whilst Owen Hargreaves (knee) continues his lengthy rehabilitation programme from season-ending surgery.
Inter Milan
Jose Mourinho comes to Old Trafford with a serious hole in his options at centre-half as Marco Materazzi (thigh), Nicolas Burdisso (knee) and Christian Chivu (groin) remain at home in Italy, and some doubts persist over Walter Samuel’s (calf) participation.
PREDICTION
This game is almost impossible to call as Sir Alex Ferguson’s cavalier attack faces Jose Mourinho’s immovable defence. Manchester United have a very good record against Italian teams in Old Trafford.
My prediction: Manchester United -1/2
Hi thanks for a great post. I’ll be back
hi Mark, you’re welcome. glad you manage to win some