United will sweat to overcome Bayern

Manchester united, the 17-times English champions and 3-times European champions face tough test to overcome Bayern Munich challenge as the two teams face off for a place in the semifinals of the European Champions League. Manchester United were champions in 2007-2008 and were also runner’s up in 2008-2009 competition after losing to Barcelona in the final game in Rome. Now, the Red Devils face a tricky German side and four-time European champions. Bayern Munich have a rejuvenated squad this season after summer arrivals of Arjen Robben, Mario Gomez, Ivica Olic, Natolily Tymoschuk and the rise of talented left full backs of Martin Alaba and Diego contento from the club’s youth ranks. The Bavarians have a fierce attacking midfield speared by Frank Ribery and Robben on both Franks. With Bastian Schweinsteiger suspended, the central midfield role can be occupied by experienced Dutchman Mark Van Bommel with either Thomas Muller coming back to fill the void in the playmaker’s role or bringing in Tymoschuk to play alongside Van Bommel. Whereas Bayern Munich is good on franks, united will be boosted by the fitness of their experienced central midfield powerhouse of Darren Fretcher and Michael Carrick. The intriguing question here remains as whether Bayern can overtake united alongside the franks or United can beat Bayern through the heart of the midfield. Fletcher and Carrick are experienced and young where as Bayern’s pair of Van Bommel and Tymoschuk are experienced and aged. On contrast, Nani, Antonnio Valencia and Ji-sung are no where comparable to Ribery and Robben. Wayne Rooney is also a difference in United – Bayern clash as the giant English top scorer is one of the hottest talents around Europe. Bayern Munich will be boosted by the return of Argentina international stopper Martin Demichelis who might be a solution for Rooney. However, the Germans will have to revise their striking force to overtake Manchester united solid defense of Rio Ferdinard and Nemanja Vidic. The strength of the defensive lines for both clubs can be rated 50-50 as both Philip Lahm and Patrice Evra have almost the same qualities. Bayern Munich is current Bundesliga table leaders where as Manchester United continue to set the pace for premier league crown. The two clubs will renew their old rivalry as they have previously met in 1999 and 2001 champion’s league campaigns. Manchester united performed heroic extra-time come back to stun Bayern Munich during 1999 final campaign while Bayern routed them in the quarterfinals of the 2001 campaign that the Bavarian went ahead to claim. During last summer’s T-mobile tournament, the friendly match between two European giants ended 0-0 with Bayern Munich winning on penalties. Sir Alex Ferguson knows the tactical approach from Germans whereas Louis Van Gaal should perhaps consult one his predecessors Ottmar Hitzfield and seek advice on how to stop United’s attacking style. josephmunich06@yahoo.co.uk