Manchester United Vs Bayer Leverkusen: Moyes must be ready

This is another series of first: David Moyes first group stage Champions League game, first Champions League game for Manchester United, first Champions League game for Manchester United at Old Trafford. Moyes is so new to this job there are so many ‘first’, but does it matter and how will he fare?To most die-hard Manchester United’s supporters, these ‘first’ has some significant, after all in the years of participation in the Champions League format, United’s fans will not see Sir Alex Ferguson lead United out to the field. It is the new face in David Moyes. While Bayer Leverkusen is not exactly United’s level, they are no push over either. The biggest danger remains United themselves. United’s fans can remember, even as recent as the last few season how United had produced below par performances at Old Trafford against lesser quality opponents and this is where the debate of Moyes’ experiences at European competitions arise.

 

David Moyes only outing in European competitions was during his Everton’s day. Two matches at the qualifying stages where Everton lost, and a few matches at the Europa League level. But by taking this job Moyes knows the inexperience issue cannot be an excuse. United is a big club, participation in Champions League is a non-issue, progressing into the latter stages is the yardstick for United’s performance. Whichever opponents meet, United must take them heads on, as Alex Ferguson has been doing all these years. It is in the club’s culture, it is what defines Manchester United as the most successful club in English football (never mind Liverpool’s five European Cup win – those are not in the same era).

 

With European competitions, Manchester United’s fans can expect to see new signing Maroune Fellaini making his Champions League debut for United. Midfield domination is one area where United must have in European competition. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are expected to start along the midfield pair of Fellaini and Michael Carrick. The back four should remain the same unless David Moyes decides to add ‘steel’ to the rightback position by starting Antonio Valencia ahead of Fabio da Silva. This will leave two midfield positions available, and with experience necessary Ryan Giggs would probably get the nod. It remains to be seen whether Moyes would start Shinji Kagawa ahead of Nani, or the controversial Ashley Young, given that Danny Welbeck is out injured. Kagawa had been doing well in Champions League in his debut season so there should not be any necessitation on Moyes’ part in selecting the Japanese ace should Kagawa is pass fit. This is a game where United should start well and given their apparent quality it should be a comfortable victory for the Red Devils.