This game was not one of the glamorous fixtures that the CL often throws up. But Fergie's team selection ensured the players don't take it lightly - often such fixtures give you a dire 0-0, but we couldn't afford another one of those post Villareal.
Fergie's selection of JOS in the middle of the park continues to baffle me. It means we take time to develop that tempo and some fluency. But with Rooney/Berbatov/Ronaldo and Nani up-front and a not-so-strong opposition, we could perhaps take that risk. Rafael da silva made his CL debut and he had a cracker. He is the one to watch out for - plays with a lot of flair (Brazil!) and showed nice skills on the ball - just like he did every time he played in the pre-season. If I had to critique him, it would be on his defending on set pieces. He was caught ball watching on a couple of occasions and it needs to be seen how he deals with someone like Drogba. But he is an exciting prospect.
Berbatov broke his duck when the Aalborg defense set one up nicely for him - next time, they should just score for him, instead. Berba didn't celebrate. When Ronaldo left his marker for dead and crossed one in from the byline, Berabtov adjusted nicely to volley one in. He still didn't celebrate. What's up with that? Celebrate fella, and score more of 'em every weekend.
The sad part was that three players had to come off with injuries. Scholes has damaged his knee ligaments - more likely than not he will miss a few weeks. It's a shame and we'll definitely miss him given Carrick and Hargreaves are still out. Rafael Da Silva also asked to be subbed and Rooney didn't look good with his knee. To lose such important players in a fixture like this really is annoying.
Off to Ewood park next - let's hope this is where Berbatov's season kick started and we put a run of league wins under our belts to put some pressure on Chelsea.
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