Last season’s runners-up in the tournament have only amassed two points from as many games so far as they trail Benfica and Basel in the search for a place in the knockout stages of the competition. Meanwhile, the eastern European outfit will be seeking to register their first point in the group table off this David vs. Goliath encounter.

United have scored in each of their last 16 matches and they will look to continue that fine run against the new boys of this tournament.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side come into the game with mixed emotions after their hard-earned draw against Liverpool in the Premier League. A late Javier Hernandez goal prevented defeat for the Old Trafford outfit but they still relinquished their hold on top spot in the Premier League table to Manchester City.

The three-time winners rested a number of key players ahead of several important fixtures including Wayne Rooney, Nani as well as the aforementioned Mexican striker. The 19-time league winners are also set to welcome back Nemanja Vidic, who despite playing for Serbia last week in their final Euro 2012 qualifier, missed out on the action at Anfield altogether.

Rio Ferdinand has been completely rested by his manager and he didn’t make the trip across Europe for the crucial match. Tom Cleverley is also doubtful to feature in the clash, as is Rafael but both players are edging closing to full fitness. Otherwise Alex Ferguson has a fully-fit squad.

Ashley Young (left) and Danny Welbeck will hope to add to their tally in the competition after putting in stellar displays against Basel in their last European outing

Oțelul Galați

Otelul Galati will bring an unknown quality to the continental competition as they will seek to spring one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history. However their title-winning form of last season has deserted them and they are now battling mid-table in the Romanian league.

Their final league outing before facing the English giants was last Friday as they slugged out a 1-1 draw with Astra Ploiesti in front of their home crowd. Their attack is most likely to be led Marius Pena, son of legendary Romanian striker George Pena who played for Steaua Bucuresti during their most successful European period in the 1980’s, culminating in them winning the 1986 European Cup.

Galati’s coach, Dorinel Muntenua, has no regular players missing through injury or suspension as he readies his players for the biggest match of their careers to date.

Galati vs United Prediction

Manchester United can’t afford to lose too many points as win will barely take them to the top of their group. Basel and Benfica, both, have a chance to get ahead of United and hold on to the pole position. Ferguson will now be on a hot pursuit. United should win as Otelul Galati failed to secure any points so far.

Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1 – May 8th 2011, Premier League

With United in supposedly inconsistent form with a 0-0 draw against Newcastle, a narrow 1-0 win over Everton and off the back of a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates by Arsenal, Chelsea visited Old Trafford earlier this month three points behind the mighty Reds and looking to win the match and the title. Carlo Ancelotti’s side had beaten United 2-1 in the league at Stamford Bridge in March, the Blues had won their previous five league games at a canter and pundits were claiming that United were rattled and there for the taking.

Not this Manchester United team. Goals from Javer Hernandez in the first minute and a header from the towering Nemanja Vidic secured victory for the Old Trafford club and effectively handed the club their 19th top flight title.

West Ham 2 Manchester United 4, 2nd April 2011, Premier League

With West Ham struggling, a revival was on the cards as the Hammers beat Liverpool and Stoke City in consecutive weeks and took a 2-0 lead against Manchester United at Upton Park in April. Half time and United were up against the ropes, whilst the London club were looking like easing their relegation woes. Sir Alex gave one of his renowned half time team talks and the side came out with renewed vigour in the second half, and a Wayne Rooney hat-trick and a Chicharito late goal secured a 4-2 comeback.

United used the game as a springboard for the rest of the season, going on to beat Chelsea in the Champions League in their next game, whilst Avram Grant’s side lost their impetus and their Premier League status soon after.

Manchester United vs Chelsea, Champions League 2011

Whilst United were enjoying more domestic joy than stumbling Chelsea in March, the Champions League is a whole different ball game, and Roman Abramovich’s lust to win Europe’s top club competition has been widely acknowledged in footballing circles. With the two sides meeting in the quarter finals of this year’s tournament, United were not fancied as Chelsea had started to turn the corner in the league and were looking more focused, whilst Man Utd had not looked convincing in the previous round against Marseille and suffered domestic defeats against lowly Liverpool and the Stamford Bridge club in the weeks before. Despite this a Wayne Rooney strike in London and a dominant performance at home ensured the Reds won both legs and progressed easily 3-1 on aggregate.

Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3, May 5th 2009, Champions League semi final

United took a slender 1-0 advantage to the Emirates in the semi finals of the 2008/09 Champions League, and with a youthful Arsenal side full of promise the tie stood firmly in the balance. Despite this a sublime attacking performance saw United race to a 2-0 lead on the night after 11 minutes, and win 3-1 after 90 minutes of excellent play. United looked a class above the Gunners, Arsenal chased shadows whilst Sir Alex’s men counter attacked with pace and utter ruthlessness.

Ji Sung Park, a regular in the big games, opened the scoring after eight minutes with a clinical strike, before Cristiano Ronaldo rifled an unstoppable long range effort past the hapless Almunia. The Portuguese scored again in the second half to complete the victory, but 3-1 could have been 5-1, 6-1 or 7-1 as United showed their class and dominance.

Manchester United 1  Barcelona 0, 30th April 2008, Champions League semi final

After a 0-0 stalemate at the Camp Nou and a defeat at Stamford Bridge on the Saturday before the second leg, the Champions League semi final of 2007/08 went back to Old Trafford with the Manchester club needing to find a way to outplay the Blaugrana’s purist, free flowing football. Although the performance was not the most exciting or top notch, the tie was enthralling due to the sheer passion and desire to win shown by the English side. Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown (who played in Nemanja Vidic’s absence) commanded the defence, whilst Patrice Evra neutralised Lionel Messi and kept the Spanish side goalless over 180 minutes.

The winning goal? Enter United legend Paul Scholes. The ex-England midfielder is a big game player, and whilst the teams qualities cancelled each other out, a touch of class and a strike from 25 yards won the tie. Barca’s total football, much applauded and raved over, was thwarted and cancelled out whilst United’s class prevailed.

Looking back over these games brings back nostalgia of just how good a side United are, and how their mental toughness wears teams down and goes far to winning the side games. The old moniker of ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ applies to this record breaking side, and at times during this season and many before the side have been off the boil or against the wall and bounced back to get the results they needed to be successful. Barcelona may be the form side in Europe currently, but United are the most consistent and revered side of the last decade.

Sir Alex has been there and done it, and come May 28th, his brilliance along with the side’s unity and doggedness will mean the Spanish side will be in for a difficult night.

United backers will be delighted to see the Reds paired with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and either Lyon or Bordeaux in the semis. Odds of 4.5 (7/2) on a third Champions League triumph for Sir Alex’s men should be snapped up now.

United’s last eight tie with the German side will inevitably provoke memories of the dramatic 1999 final, when two late goals gave the Reds victory in the Nou Camp. It’s a good draw but Sir Alex won’t be taking Bayern lightly, especially as last time the teams met, they knocked United out on their way to winning the competition in 2001. The German giants still boast decent players, such as Arjen Robben, Mark Van Bommel and the excellent Franck Ribery but Bayern were lucky to sneak past Fiorentina on away goals in the last round. Wayne Rooney, who can be backed at 3.6 (13/5) to be the competition’s top goalscorer, will relish the opportunity to run at their shaky defence.

If the Reds get past the Germans, they will meet the winner of the all-French quarter-final between Lyon and Bordeaux. Ex-United defender Laurent Blanc is going great guns in his first job in management with Bordeaux – he won the Ligue 1 title last season and getting to the last eight of the Champions League is a record for the club. The current Lyon side is generally considered to be weaker than it has been in recent season’s but knocking out Real Madrid in the last round showed that they remain canny European operators. The Reds have a decent record against Claude Puel’s side, having knocked them out two years ago.

Arsenal got the opponents nobody wanted – Barcelona – and their tournament odds have drifted out to 12.0 (11.0) after they were drawn against the favourites, who can be backed at 3.05 (2/1). Inter Milan, currently trading at 5.0 (4/1), take on CSKA Moscow. Jose Mourinho’s men were very impressive in knocking out Chelsea on Tuesday night – an outcome tipped in this column – but, after losing to them already this season, they won’t fancy a semi-final with Barca.

A repeat of last year’s final seem the most likely pairing in the Bernabeu on May 22 and Barcelona/Man Utd can be backed at 3.8 (14/5) in Betfair’s Nominate the Finalists market. The only question for United backers is, will there be a different outcome?

On Wednesday, a rare chance to back at home United win at decent odds of 1.77 should not be missed but it must be remembered that the Reds don’t need to beat AC Milan at Old Trafford. A draw would suffice and, although we’ll be backing a narrow Reds victory, the 3.7 on the draw holds great appeal as a saver bet.

Overs backers had sloppy defending from both sides to thank for five goals in the first leg. Having scored three goals away to both Real Madrid and Juventus this season, Milan are capable of finding the net at the homes of formidable opponents. However, with Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Evra – the defensive foundations of the Reds’ Champions League triumph two seasons ago – all available, we fancy .

At the time of writing, it’s not clear whether Wayne Rooney will start. Wazza has a great record against the Rossoneri – four goals in his last three appearances against them – so we certainly hope he makes it. Before the first leg the market favoured a low scoring game but after the 2-3 in the San Siro, goals are expected on Wednesday. However, Rooney’s absence could change that so back Under 1.5 goals at 3.2.

Dimitar Berbatov showed exquisite touches at Molineux on Saturday. Technically and physically, he towered above his opponents, inspiring United with neat flicks and visionary passing. Dimitar isn’t known for tearing around the pitch and neither are his ageing Milanese opponents. The slower pace of European football suits Berba and we’re backing him to score in a 1-0 Reds’ win.

Try a cheeky small stakes experiment with a red card punt. Old Trafford can be a frustrating place to chase down lost causes when you’re heading out of Europe and we can envisage a Milan player – perhaps Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf or – imagine the headlines – even David Beckham – lashing out in the second half. Back the sending off at 3.95.

Who knows what awaits the Reds in the next round. Will they get the chance to dispose of one of their domestic rivals? Will they avenge last season’s defeat against Barcelona or could Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford with Real? Losing Michael Owen is a blow but with newcomers like Antonio Valencia, seasoned Champions League performers such as Paul Scholes and defensive rocks Ferdinand and Vidic all finding form and fitness, it pays to back United at 7.0 to win the Champions League.

Michel Platini, UEFA president, June 11th 2009
“It is very puzzling at a time when football faces some of its worst ever financial challenges. These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fair-play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions.”

Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, June 13th 2009
“It means that our product is still a good product. If this is the game of the people, they need stars. OK, it is a lot of money, but he is performing. We are in a very sensitive market nowadays because there is an economic crisis. In football, we are still in a good market.”

So, the UEFA president thinks it’s “cheating” to spend money you don’t have, whilst the FIFA president sees no problem at all. Well done lads.

RoM on: Blatter the hypocritical xenophobe with several hidden agendas
RoM on: The truth behind Blatter’s foreign quota myth

The Uefa general secretary, David Taylor, has today given United some hope though, suggesting that the case should be referred to UEFA’s disciplinary body for review.

“The likelihood is we’d refer it to our disciplinary body,” he said. “They’d look to see if there were any special circumstances to justify any departure from established procedures.”

Fingers crossed for Fletch!

Whilst obviously not Chelsea’s biggest fan, far from it in fact, you can’t help but feel we aren’t playing the best side from the other semi-final when we go to Rome. For all their flair and brilliant attacking football in La Liga, Barca just aren’t that good when they come across English. In the past few seasons, they have been knocked out by Liverpool, Chelsea and United and only beat Arsenal in the final thanks to late goals after playing against ten men for most of the match. On the performance in the semi-finals, they certainly look like an easier team to break down than Chelsea.

Whilst looking a complete twat when making his point, it’s hard to argue with Drogba that it was a “fucking disgrace” that Barca are our opponents, given the penalties Chelsea should have been awarded. Abidal shouldn’t have received his marching orders for Anelka’s “trip” but that doesn’t even the score. It makes you wonder where the fuck UEFA get their referees from, given the soft freekicks our referee was blowing up for yesterday and the disgusting decision to send off Darren Fletcher for a brilliantly timed tackle on Cesc Fabregas.

I’m relieved we’re not playing Chelsea but they were robbed. Our job is a lot easier than it would have been though and for the neutral, hopefully the match will live up to its expectations. But essentially, I just want the trophy and I’ll take a scrappy 1-0.

The press, as usual, made a big song and dance about it, much to Sir Alex Ferguson’s frustration.

Risgaard has spoken to the press saying he doesn’t believe Rooney should be punished for the incident, suggesting television replays make it look worse than it was.

“I heard UEFA is looking at this but I don’t think Rooney should be suspended,” he said. “I haven’t seen the situation on TV yet as we had our Christmas party the day after the match but I can understand it looks bad on TV. It’s what happens in intensive matches. Wayne came up to me immediately and apologised. I appreciated that. I have nothing against him.”

Regardless, the press have yet again painted him as a violent thug, probably the best this country has ever seen. It is all in preparation for the World Cup I suppose, when they will again hail him as England’s hero and sob themselves to sleep at night if he is injured.

Alarmingly, UEFA have confirmed they are investigating his ‘stamp’ against Aalborg and will be taking the newspaper reports in to consideration!

“We are aware of the incident and the disciplinary panel will study the footage and newspaper reports before deciding whether to take action,” said a UEFA spokesperson.

I cannot for the life of me understand why reviewing the video footage themselves isn’t enough to determine their decision. The fact they should rely on the newspaper reports to make up their mind is rather farcical!

The decision over whether he will be banned for future games in the Champions League will be announced on Monday.

When asked about the incident ahead of United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, Ferguson was quick to shoot the reporters down, criticising their reporting of the incident.

“I am not going to discuss Wayne Rooney,” Ferguson said. “You press guys have created most of it. You are not getting anything from this club at all on Wayne Rooney. That is it, finished.”

No wonder FIFA moron Sepp Blatter is waging a war against England at the moment, with English clubs and players totally dominating Europe. The list of potential winners has been whittled down to 20, with 17 of those spots being filled by players from the Premiership.

Whilst United have more players than any other team represented, Chelsea come 2nd with five players in the running (Petr Cech, John Terry, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba), Liverpool with four players (Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres) and Arsenal with two (Manuel Almunia, Cesc Fabregas).

So, who’s going to win what?

It’s pretty funny to think that of all the leagues and all the teams in Europe, just three players act as representatives for them outside of the Premiership. Schalke 04 Manuel Neuer is in the running for the goalkeeper’s prize, whilst Barcelona defender Carles Puyol and his team-mate, forward Lionel Messi, are also up for the awards.

Edwin Van der Sar

Van der Sar was the goalkeeper in the most effective defence in the Premiership last season, conceding just 22 goals and picking up 21 clean sheets. They also boasted the best defensive record in Europe, with Real Madrid conceding 36 goals, Inter Milan conceding 26, and Bayern Munich conceding 21 goals (but in 4 fewer games, giving United a better goals to game ratio).

In the European Cup, Van der Sar played in 10 games, with United conceding just 4 goals those matches.

Most importantly though, and likely to sway the decision, Van der Sar saved the penalty that won Manchester United the European Cup. How can you argue with that?

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic

Again, two defenders part of the best defence in the Premiership and Europe.

Whilst Vidic claims a lot of the plaudits, mainly because his (insane) bravery, Rio Ferdinand was immense last season. I’ll make no bones about the fact that I’ve been a Ferdinand critic over the years, however you’d have to possess particularly strong anti-Rio feelings to not recognise his brilliant performances last season. It was incredibly rare to see an opponent get the better of him, with the likes of Fernando Torres and Dimitar Berbatov (and Emmanuel Adebayor, when not using his hand to score!) having no joy when up against him.

Either of these players would be worthy winners of this award but I’d say Rio should edge it, particularly due to the amount of games he played in last season (51 games to Vidic’s 43).

Paul Scholes

The glamour of scoring a beauty of a goal against Barcelona in the European Cup semi-final was certainly the reason why UEFA took note and put Scholes in the list. However, United fans can appreciate Scholes for far more than that last season.

Whilst Michael Carrick Anderson ensured we didn’t miss him on a costly level last season when out for several months following his operation, the quality Scholes brings to our team is unmatched by any other player. His passing is absolutely phenomenal, spraying 50 yard balls across the park to feet on a consistent basis.

However, as a player far more happy to skulk out of the limelight, I can’t see how he would draw in enough attention to get the votes to win this one.

Wayne Rooney

Rooney was one of the most effective players in the Premiership last season, although you’d never know it. In the 27 league games Rooney played in last season, missing out on close to 1/3 of the season due to injury, he was responsible (either scoring or assisting) 25 goals, an average of 0.9 goals a game.

Rooney was missing for 4 out of United’s 5 defeats last season, and scored the equalising goal against Chelsea before being subbed through injury, with United then going on to lose. Coincidence? Only people who don’t watch Rooney on a weekly basis could claim such a thing.

Whilst still yet to have that blinding season that has been predicting, mainly due to his self-sacrificing nature, far more concerned with the team winning than he is receiving the praise himself, it was an incredibly important player to United last season, as he is every season.

However, he went AWOL in the Champions League, which was strange for the ‘big game’ player he usually is, so can’t see how he would scoop this prize. Particularly considering Cristiano Ronaldo has been shortlisted for this category.

Which players do you think will scoop the awards?