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Man United Vs Beckham
After what seems like an eternity, the Champions League returns for the last 16 but this time around, the format is a bit different.
UEFAloves the TV money that originates from the cash cow of European football so this stage is being extended and the last game in the last 16 will not take place until Wednesday 17th of March. That is over a month from the first game. It will allow more fans to catch the game on television but it will make the gap between the games seem so much longer. That said, when the action gets underway, no one will worry too much.
It is also just as well that the first night of the last 16 of the Champions League features three of the biggest names in the tournament. The two clubs who have won the European Cup more than any other and the team that could claim to be the most recognised club in the world are all in action on the 16th of February. You would almost feel a bit sorry for Lyon who are also involved this night but the French side have an impressive European pedigree of their own so the big guns are all out in force.
Beckham’s First Game versus United
One of the biggest games takes place in Milan where AC play host to Manchester United. The focus of the match will fall upon David Beckham as it is the first time the player will come up against the club where he made his name. Real Madrid and United were kept apart during Beckham’s time in Spain and LA Galaxy never took on the Red Devils. Ever since the draw was made, the English media have been excited about the return of Golden Balls and the reaction he will receive.
It was always likely that Beckham would be welcomed back by the United fans but the player has went on the charm offensive in recent days to ensure he is fondly remembered. If there is something that Beckham is good at, aside from hitting free-kicks, it is being a diplomatic publicity machine.
The London Olympic bid used Beckham extensively and the English FA, in their attempt to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup, have signed Beckham up for as many presentations as possible. The England international has said that if he was to score against United, he would not celebrate out of respect for the fans who backed him during some tough times in England.
No Celebration from Becks
Of course, Beckham is being slightly presumptuous in saying that he would not celebrate if he scored because the midfielder is not in great goal scoring these days. In Milan’s game at the weekend where they drew 0-0, Beckham take aim from the edge of the box and sliced the ball high and wide.
Beckham has the opportunity to turn games on their head and if AC Milan get a free kick on the edge of the box he will be lining up a shot but there are plenty of other players who may decide to shoot instead of Beckham.
One such player will be Ronaldinho and the Brazilian has every reason to try and influence the match in order to get back into the Brazil international squad. The star has been left out of the upcoming Brazil friendly being plated at the Emirates and with the World Cup taking place this summer, it may be that the samba star will be missing from the action in South Africa. If Ronaldinho can take the game against Manchester United by the scruff of the neck, it may indicate to Dunga that he can be trusted on the big stage.
Rooney On Fire
It is not all about AC Milan as Manchester United have one of the most in-form players in the world at the moment. With England floundering because of their captains great ability to score away from home, their South African hopes will be pinned on Wayne Rooney but this is no different from what Manchester United will be doing.
The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo has definitely weakened United but it has seen Rooney take on further responsibility and the players talent has blossomed even further. With Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov failing to impress, if AC Milan can keep Rooney quiet, they could be well on their way to knocking out last season’s beaten finalists.
One area where United have looked weak is defensively and they will be in a strange situation in the AC Milan game. Nemanja Vidic may be unavailable through injury but Rio Ferdinand will be fit for selection. Ferdinand is the top tip to be the new England captain after John Terry lost the armband (it is probably down the back of some girl’s bed) but Rio will be entering these games with a lack of match fitness. Ferdinand is currently serving a four match league ban, causing further defensive problems for Alex Ferguson to contend with.
Polar Opposite Managers
The two managers involved in the game could not be more different. Ferguson is the experienced manager who has seen it and done it all, at least twice. The hard man from Govan in Scotland is rightly ranked amongst the top managers of all time but the AC Milan manager, Leonardo, is still finding his feet in Serie A. Ancelotti was the previous incumbent of the San Siro hot seat but he is now the nemesis of Ferguson at the top of the English Premier League.
Leonardo sees his team well off the pace behind Inter Milan in the Italian league and have suffered two morale sapping defeats to Jose Mourinho’s men. The Brazilian boss needs his team to triumph against United to buy him the time to gel a team together and show that he has the ability to win big matches.
AC Milan got the better of Manchester United the last time the two sides clashed and this tie could genuinely go either way. AC Milan are still an ageing team but Manchester United have looked extremely sluggish at times this season and if their defence does not play to form, they could well stumble out of the Champions League at the last 16 hurdle.
Will Beckham get to silence his former fans or will his old boss show him that he is still in charge?
by Andrew Reilly
for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk
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Dear Greg,
I've been a member since July 2003, maybe one of the first to join the Silver Circle.
2004 was a good year but I really enjoyed the long run we had in, I think, July 2005. It was exhilarating! 2006-2007 was not as exciting although still quite profitable and so far 2007-2008 looks quite good. I'm wondering if we're going to hit a long one again soon. Anyway, it's been a pleasure as always with your service, Greg. Armstrong and you are one of the few people I trust on the internet. You have made my retirement so much more fun and financially happy!
Best Wishes, Trent Wrayford, Sidney
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