Manchester United enters Tuesday's match against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 on a hot streak, as they have won every game in competition since drawing with Real on Feb. 13 on the road.
The match changes venue to Old Trafford for the return leg and United will be looking to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and company as they welcome them on Tuesday night. Ryan Griggs has already told fans that the match will be intense and Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing for anything and everything.
The two teams played to a tough draw last time around and Manchester United is in a prime position, as a 0-0 draw would give them a berth into the next round of play in the quarters. Both teams have been strong this season and now it all comes down to Tuesday's match to see who will advance.
The last time Real Madrid made the trip to Old Trafford, the game went back and forth before United took it 4-3, after two goals from international star David Beckham, who is now playing in France after a lengthy stint in the United States. The comeback by United came after a stunning hat trick from Ronaldo and sparked them to a victory.
"It was two great sides and there were so many goals. It could be similar on Tuesday,'' said Giggs to ESPN.com. "When you have that much firepower on the pitch, undoubtedly there are going to be chances and goals.''
Ferguson spoke about that game and how now United must deal with another supreme talent on Tuesday.
The older one, the fatter one, peaked as a centre-forward at that time,'' said Ferguson. "(Cristiano) Ronaldo is a supreme athlete. He never misses a game, has fantastic physique, two great feet, pace, he is good in the air. My biggest concern is if he turns up because you expect problems."
Manchester United will be a bit weaker player-wise, as Ferguson said that Phil Jones is not ready to return after suffering an ankle injury in the FA Cup match against Reading, which United took 2-1.
"We have to try and curtail that as best as we can. It won't be easy because he does it every week," Ferguson said. "But it isn't something we should fear. If we go in worried about the damage Cristiano can do we forget what we can do ourselves.''
Paul Scholes will also be out, but ironman Ryan Giggs will be in for his 1,000th senior appearance of his career.
"I am obviously proud of playing that many games," Giggs said. "You set out different goals at the start of your career. First you want to get in the team, then stay in it. Then you want to win things. You never think you are going to get to 1,000 games.''
Real Madrid will be in a tough spot, as Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said goalie goalkeeper Iker Casillas will not be ready to face United in the match. He is still dealing with a broken hand and will be on the sidelines for the important match.
"Everyone is fit and ready to play and be considered, with the exception of Iker Casillas,'' Mourinho said ahead of the second leg of the last-16 tie. We are sorry we had to travel yesterday (on Sunday because of a baggage handlers strike) because we don't like to wait."
The match will be the first time former United star Cristiano Ronaldo will be heading back to Old Trafford and although the media has spotlighted that event, Sir Alex Ferguson had nothing but nice things to say about his former player.
"I think he is fine, as far as I am aware,'' he said. I think any accolade he gets is more than deserved and I think the reception he will get from the crowd will be deserved. I am aware how well he did here and what an impact he had at the club.''
Prediction: Manchester United 2, Real Madrid 1. Manchester enters the match very hot after taking their past three matches in other competition and after the 1-1 draw last month, the team will be ready to play in front of the home crowd. Ronaldo will get a warm welcome back as he scores the lone goal for Madrid and Manchester will advance after the win to the next round. Real Madrid won back here in 2000 and the game should be high scoring, as the past two at this venue have seen 12 scores. Alex Ferguson has only won twice against Jose Mourinho, but on Tuesday he will get his third.
Lineups:
MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra
Carrick, Cleverley
Welbeck, Rooney, Kagawa
Van Persie
REAL MADRID
Lopez
Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao
Khedira, Alonso
Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo
Benzema
