CSKA Moscow
- Finished 2nd in the Russian Premier League last season behind Rubin Kazan (who are in the group of death with Barca and Inter).
- Their manager is Zico, who represented Brazil in three World Cups, and his brother Edu in the assistant manager.
- In the past seven years they have won three league titles, five Russian Cups, four Russian Super Cups and the UEFA Cup.
- Play at the Luzhniki Stadium where United won the 2008 European Cup.
- Their Brazilian striker, Vágner Love, was the top scorer in Russia last season.
Besiktas
- Current Turkish champions
- Their top scorer last season was Brazilian striker Bobô.
- They once went 56 games unbeaten in the league.
- Turky’s president, Abdullah Gül, is a big fan.
Wolfsburg
- Current German champions, their first title.
- Their Brazilian striker Grafite was the top scorer in the German league last season with a massive 28 Bundesliga goals. The second highest scorer in the league was their Bosnian striker Edin Džeko with an also very impressive 26 league goals, and who has scored 2 goals in 3 games this season.
- 4th in the league this season after winning two and losing lose.
Fairly happy with the draw but not the easiest places to go away from home.
I think Moscow will be a hard trip in October just before the Liverpool game but we’ve been that far before and got great results,Kiev was a walk in the park but I think they will be stronger.
Besiktas used to be a pretty handy and beat the dippers at there place but then got humped 8-0 at Anfield.We Should have no problems them.
Wolfsburg could be tricky but I dont know too much about them as they’ve only really come onto the big scene in the last 2 seasons.Their home record is really good and they bang in the goals.I always had them on my coupon last season.
I dont know how they were in pot 4 being the German champions though.
I think we’ll go through with relative ease,win the homes and get a few results away.Sorted.
The UCL is composed of the best in Europe, so no easy matches beforehand and also cannot underestimate any team. But United can get through to the next stages provided they stay focus and no serious injuries to the main players
Never thought the 2 top scorers in germany played for Wolfsburg .
We`l need vida and rio at their best…they always are by the way.
Come on Man UUUUUUU!!!!
The draw is a tricky one. Every game is tricky. And when was the last one we met each of these teams? We are not familiar with them.
My expectation: 2W 3D 1L = 9pts. and will still finish top of the group.
But new opposition means its more interesting hehe
Toughish group, think we’ll top it though. Saf mite play 4 3 3 away from home pack the midfield so we dint get outnumbered. of topic scarface scored then done that stupid cupping the ears, i think he needs a hug.
NO easy games but if you want to win the European Cup you have to beat the best anyway.
Arsenal fan here, I think we got an easier group travelwise than United. I have no doubt that United will progress but the travelling will probably force Ferguson to rotate more than he would have liked.
You were a bit unlucky on the fixtures though, away to a strong Tottenham side, then away to Besiktas in Turkey then the Manchester Derby at home in september. Away to Moscow in october and a Liverpool match a few days later. It will be a tough couple of months.
Look forward to seeing to you all tomorrow, I always enjoy our matches there the atmosphere in Old Trafford is top notch, I just hope your team play like they did in the second half against Wigan, we’re on fire now and I wanna see how our resurgent team do against the best.
I grew up in Moscow. CSKA fans are known for their aggressive behavior, especially towards red-shirted Spartak fans. However, they are looking up to English fans, and want to be like them.
Therefore, I would strongly recommend to:
1. Stay in groups
2. Walk confidently
3. Follow the three classic Russian don’ts: “Don’t be afraid, don’t ask for anything, and don’t trust”
Merrill
Besiktas away will be the most difficult game in my opinion. They have perhaps the second most fierce home atmosphere in Turkey (after Galatasaray). The surprise package will surely be Wolfsburg given their performance last season in the Bundesliga, BUT…Felix Magath has left them for Schalke over the summer. They still have more or less the same squad so they too will be a challenge.
this would be a good experience for these young united players. but i dont think united would have difficulty in qualifying for the 2nd round.