Otelul Galati vs Manchester United: Must win for United; footballing lesson for Galati

Manchester United travel to Romania to face UEFA Champions League debutantes Otelul Galati as the visitors seek to finally secure their first win in Group C. Alex Ferguson’s men are definitely favorites here unless the Romanians can come up with a shocker. Check out the football betting offers and place your bet where you see fit.

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.