Champions League: Manchester Utd v Roma
At last, some bad luck for Man United. While Chelsea and Arsenal have had to cope with the loss of key players at various stages of the season, United have tootled through the season relatively unharmed. Until now. Because Alex Ferguson's men have now suffered not one, but two massive setbacks. First Nemanja Vidic got crocked. Now Rio Ferdinand is out. That's both of United's centre-backs ruled out within a few days of each other, just as the season reaches its critical juncture.
The effects of being without these two for any length of time could be disastrous. Minus Vidic, United looked vulnerable at Middlesbrough, conceding two goals. Ferdinand limped off towards the end of that match, and the duo will definitely miss Wednesday night's Champions League second-leg against Roma. The consolation is that United are already 2-0 up. Good job, too. Roma will need to go for goals, and a centre-back pairing of John O'Shea and Gerard Pique doesn't look the strongest. Wes Brown may move over from right-back but even then, it's far from ideal. At least if Roma are piling forward, United can always pick them off on the break via their impressive midfield and strikers.
But after that? Well, the focus swings to the Premier League title race, and United play Arsenal and Chelsea in the next few weeks. Arsenal may be all but out of it, but the Gunners would love to mess things up for their old rivals this weekend, and, as for Chelsea, the Blues are in good form and right on United's toes.
Cristiano Ronaldo has hogged the headlines at Old Trafford all season, but United's main strength has been their rock-solid defence. They've been almost unbeatable. Take Vidic and Ferdinand away from that defence and, suddenly, things look very different indeed.
Celebrate United's injury woes or take advantage by looking into Bodog's Champion League odds. You know it makes sense!
Submit Your Comment