The Busby Babe - Manchester United vs. Real Madrid -- UEFA Champions League round of 16Where it's always squeaky bum timehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51377/tbb-fav.png2013-03-20T16:58:57+00:00http://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/rss/stream/37174712013-03-20T16:58:57+00:002013-03-20T16:58:57+00:00Sir Alex could face a UEFA ban
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Cuneyt Cakir is still a numpty. </p> <p>To add insult to the atrocious refereeing by Cuneyt Cakir during <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United's</a> recent Champions League tie with Real Madrid, it appears that UEFA is readying some sort of punishment for manager <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> because he didn't appear in the post-match press conference. Instead, assistant coach Mike Phelan took the questions and he stated that the gaffer was too "distraught" to attend. Here's what a UEFA spokesperson said about the range of punishment possibilities for Ferguson:</p>
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<p>"It can be a warning, a fine or not being allowed on the bench. We will have to wait and see."</p>
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<p>Well if anything, Ferguson sending Phelan out to the pack of media was damage limitation. It was very possible the 71-year-old would have said something in the press conference that he would have regretted and that likely would have resulted in a greater punishment than he's going to get for simply not attending. Or maybe the manager was simply sending a defiant message to UEFA by not showing up. I'm not going to try too hard getting inside the mind of Ferguson.</p>
<p>The Scot has managed over 200 Champions League matches without a ban so perhaps UEFA will consider that when they punish Ferguson. I don't anticipate a touchline ban, but I suppose you can never be certain.</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/20/4127836/sir-alex-ferguson-could-face-a-uefa-banGene Um2013-03-09T06:32:09+00:002013-03-09T06:32:09+00:00A lack of clarity of the rules is harming football
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>The referee's job is the hardest one in football. But a lack of clarity in the rules is making it that much harder for them.</p> <p>It was the perfect night. All was well at Old Trafford. The stands -- the ones that are often mocked for their quietness -- were roaring their team on and the one goal advantage which was defiantly deserved. Real Madrid were dangerous, but with a defense that had repelled all attacks against a side which are not the best at breaking down a well organised fortress, our chances were brilliant.</p>
<p>And then a blast of a whistle and a brandishing of a red card ripped the heart out of the stadium. Sure enough, Robert is your father's brother and Madrid with a man advantage made easy work of smashing down the half-open door, thanks to a wonder strike from <span>Luka Modric</span> and the winner from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.</p>
<p>We here are all hugely passionate fans of our great club <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>. However, with the talk before the two-legged tie saying how this was fit for a final -- with <i>Sky Sports </i>billing it as the perfect match -- I feel that it is a travesty that we were robbed of the chance to see the match played out in a more fair manner. Because the decision to send Nani off was anything but fair, as soon as he was banished to the dressing room, the match was ruined.</p>
<p>To quote the legendary <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> manager Bill Shankly<span class="st"></span></p>
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<p><span class="st">"The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game.</span></p>
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<p>Never has this phrase been more fitting.</p>
<p>Except it isn't.</p>
<p>Do referee's know the laws any better? When is dangerous play actually dangerous? When a ball strikes an arm, when is it handball? And when is a goal-scoring opportunity a sending-off offense? The rules are a mess and there is no consistency from game to game, league to league or nation to nation. The way the game is headed, and based on Tuesday's decision, why are players attempting overhead kicks not punished when mistimed?</p>
<p>It is becoming more and more a game of who can seize an advantage through the referee, than winning it through skill and tactics, and this is making the referee's job that much harder. And although I am not blaming Alvaro Arbeloa for the referee's decision, the impact his controversial moment had is best summed up by another great manager:</p>
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<p>"The best team lost."</p>
<p align="right"><span>Jose Mourinho</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Honestly, I hope to god Real Madrid go and win it. As hard as it may be to know we were ousted by them by unfair means, at least we can say that we were ousted by the best.</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/9/4074558/the-job-of-a-referee-is-not-getting-easierRB19902013-03-06T06:00:01+00:002013-03-06T06:00:01+00:00Stats & Post-Match Quotes: MUFC 1-2 (2-3 agg) RMCF
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<figcaption>Jasper Juinen</figcaption>
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<p>Statistics and post-match quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson Mike Phelan, Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Xabi Alonso. </p> <div align="center">
<span style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b>TE</b></span><b style="font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">AM STATISTICS</b>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: inset inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;"><b>Real Madrid </b></p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Shots (on target)</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">19 (7)</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">23 (10)</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Total Passes Completed</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">219</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">458</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Passing Accuracy</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">73%</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">84%</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Ball Possession</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">37%</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">63%</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Tackles won</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">18<span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; white-space: pre; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"></span></span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">24<br></span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Interceptions</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">12</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" align="left" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">13</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Fouls</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">7</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">12</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Corners</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">9</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">12</span></font></td>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 1.45in; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="104">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; max-width: 100%; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A','Mercury SSm B',Georgia,Georgia,serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px;">Offsides</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; border-style: none inset inset none; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1</span></font></td>
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<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b>MUFC PLAYER STATISTICS</b></p>
<p align="left"><b>* David de Gea (goalkeeper): </b>6/16 passing (38%), 2 goals conceded, 7 saves</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> (right-center-back): </b>24/31 passing (77%), 5/7 long balls, 0 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 clearances (6 effective), 0 shots blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Nemanja Vidic (left-center-back): </b>24/32 passing (75%), 2/5 long balls, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, 8 clearances (6 effective), 4 shots blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Rafael (right-back | substituted off 87'): </b>22/26 passing (85%), 2 chances created, 1/2 crosses, 1/1 long balls, 1 successful dribble, 1 tackle, 0 interceptions, 4 clearances (3 effective) 2 shots blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Patrice Evra</span> (left-back): </b>24/30 passing (80%), 1 chance created, 1/4 crosses, 2/4 long balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 tackles, 1 interception, 5 clearances (2 effective, 0 shots blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Michael Carrick</span> (central-midfield): </b>21/26 passing (81%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 2/5 long balls, 0/1 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 shots (1 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Tom Cleverley</span> (central-midfield | substituted off 73'): </b>21/26 passing (81%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 1/1 long ball, 0/1 through balls, 1 successful dribble, 3 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Ryan Giggs</span> (right-winger): </b>29/36 passing (81%), 4 chances created, 4/5 crosses, 1/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 2 successful dribbles, 1 foul won, 4 tackles, 4 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Nani (left-winger | sent-off 56'): </b>14/21 passing (67%), 2 chances created, 1/5 crosses, 1/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 1 foul won, 2 tackles, 0 interceptions, 1 shot (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Danny Welbeck</span> (secondary striker | substituted off 81'): </b>13/19 passing (68%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 0/0 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 1 successful dribble, 0 fouls won, 6 shots (2 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Robin van Persie (striker): </b>9/16 passing (56%), 2 chances created, 1/3 crosses, 0/1 long balls, 0 successful dribbles, 2 fouls won, 6 shots (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Wayne Rooney</span> (central-midfield | substituted on 73'): </b>8/12 passing (67%), 0 chances created, 0/2 crosses, 0/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 1 shot (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Ashley Young</span> (left-winger | substituted on 81'): </b>5/5 passing (100%), 0 chances created, 0/2 crosses, 0/0 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 1 foul won, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Antonio Valencia</span> (right-back | substituted on 87'): </b>1/2 passing (50%), 0 chances created, 0/1 crosses, 0/0 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 1 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="center"><b>POST-MATCH QUOTES</b></p>
<p align="left"><b>Mike Phelan | MUFC manager </b>(courtesy of <i>MUTV</i>)</p>
<p align="left">(On why Sir Alex Feguson isn't doing the post-match interview...) "[Sir Alex] is too distraught."</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts on the match...) "[To say we’re disappointed] is an understatement. We felt we had the tactics right for such a big game. We felt as though we were comfortable at times at 0-0. We were where we wanted to be. We came out [after half-time] and scored the goal and that put us in a very commanding position. After that we were in reasonable control and created a few chances. Then the game totally changed. The decision… was amazing. But we had to carry on. In a game of this magnitude, with the whole world watching, we feel very disappointed."</p>
<p>(On whether Ferguson had spoken to referee Cuneyt Cakir...) "I don’t think he is in any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision. I think it speaks volumes that I am sat here and not the manager of this fantastic football club. We all saw and witnessed a decision that seemed very harsh. We had a massive audience around the world with people watching in how many countries I do not know, and everybody will be sitting there wondering what happened. A great performance was marred by one decision."</p>
<p>(More on how Ferguson is feeling...) "Mega, mega disappointment. One of the reasons that I'm doing the press conference and talking to [the media] is that he feels I'm probably a bit more diplomatic than he could possibly be. He's annoyed, he's distraught and he knows that if he stands in front of a camera right now, he won't be doing it for many weeks to come."</p>
<p>(On Nani controversially being sent off...) "From our point of view, we felt the ball was in the air, the player was watching the ball. Yes, there was contact, but that's the nature of football and to get a red card seems unbelievable."</p>
<p>(On United performance...) "We knew we had to apply certain tactics to the game. We went over to Madrid and we did a very good job. We got the result that we were looking for, we scored the away goal. We felt that if we could keep things tight, frustrate Madrid and play a little bit on the counter-attack ourselves, then we'll get chances. I think that showed tonight - we did get chances. We didn't convert as many as we should have done but in that one moment when you score the goal, you feel as though the crowd is right behind you, they can see the finishing line. The players sensed they were in control and then it drifted away."</p>
<p><b><span>Jose Mourinho</span> | Real Madrid manager </b>(courtesy of <i>Sky Sports</i>)</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts...) "Independent of the [referee’s] decision, the best team lost. We didn't play well. We didn't deserve to win. But football is like this. I am not speaking about the decision because I am not sure of it."</p>
<p>(On the performances for both sides...) "My feeling is that Manchester United were playing very well, were very compact and aggressive in a good way. They were very tactically well organised and the match was very difficult for us. I had the feeling Modric changed the game as he brought qualities we did not have before. I doubt that 11 v 11 we win the match. I am frustrated as we played so well against Barcelona and today, I was waiting for more. I know United are giants, not just physically but mentally. I know they have a manager who can motivate them, but I was waiting for us to play in a different way."</p>
<p>(On after United went down to 10-men...) "When we were against 10, we played very well for 10 minutes. We created them new problems with [Mesut] Ozil wide and Modric and Kaka both behind [Gonzalo] Higuain. I think it was a new problem for them that they couldn't solve with 10 men. We deserve credit for that. But at the end of the match, we couldn't control the possession, which frustrated me because we had one player more. We should have controlled the match but we couldn't and at that moment we had Diego Lopez. To have a fantastic keeper who gives us victory is also part of the game. [David] De Gea was the man of the match in Madrid and today the man of the match was Diego Lopez."</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px;">(On Nani being sent off...) "(Nani's dismissal) had the same influence as the decision two years ago to send Pepe off in the semi-final. At this level, there's such a fine balance between such equally matched teams. Playing with one man down for such a long period is going to change a lot in the game."</p>
<p>(On Ferguson deciding to exclude Wayne Rooney from the Manchester United starting XI...) "<span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> has won the right (to pick his team) over the years. Every decision is correct and every decision should never have a question mark in front. He's the best, he's the top, he's created an incredible history. You (reporter) are nobody, I am nobody, to put a question mark in front. His team was very well-organised. The defence was fantastic and I think he did a great job."</p>
<p>(More on <span>Luka Modric's</span> impact...) "I've always been justified in bringing Modric to the club. I've always been fully convinced he's a great player and today (Tuesday) he brought something different.Tactically, Man United were very well set up and defended stoutly, and Modric brought a bit of speed to our play with his vertical thinking. I think he made the difference."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> | Real Madrid midfielder </b>(courtesy of <i>ITV Sport</i>)</p>
<p>(On Nani being sent off...) "It was a difficult decision to take from the referee, but we have seen in many previous games that it can be harder playing against 10 men. We produced our best minutes after the sending-off. After that, United pushed really hard, it was difficult not to concede and our goalkeeper was fantastic."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> | Real Madrid attacker </b>(courtesy of <i>MUTV</i>)</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts... ) "It was an unbelievable night, a very emotional night and what the supporters did for me was massive. <b></b>I am never going to forget that moment. The only words I can say are that it was unbelievable. For one side I feel happy, for Madrid to go through to the next round, but for the other side I feel a little bit sad because it is not easy to forget this home. I played for six years here and the people were very nice to me. I came here like a child. It was quite a strange feeling. Not just for this game, but the first game too. I felt a little but shy in my game and I have feelings which I can’t explain. I am happy because Madrid got through, I defend my colleagues and I play for Madrid so I try to do my best all of the time. We still have a long way to go in the competition. We have beaten one of the best teams in the world in Manchester United. We will go step by step, but we are in good shape."</p>
<p>(On Real Madrid's success in the past week...) "This week, it was unbelievable to win two games against Barcelona and one against Manchester United. It was fantastic for us, we are in good shape, we are confident and we want to go like that."</p>
<p>(On Nani being sent off...) "To be honest, I did not see what Nani did, but these situations happen in football."</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/6/4069380/manchester-united-1-2-real-madrid-statistics-post-match-quotes-phelan-mourinho-ronaldo-alonsoGene Um2013-03-05T22:25:11+00:002013-03-05T22:25:11+00:00United ousted by Real Madrid (and the referee)
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<figcaption>Jasper Juinen</figcaption>
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<p>The Reds were superb for 56 minutes and it was looking likely that they would go through to the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League. Then referee Cuneyt Cakir ruined the magnificent tie with his horrific decision to send off Nani. Los Blancos immediately scored twice and their dream of<em> la decima</em> is still on. </p> <p><i>Disclaimer: This is going to be a terrible recap. I'm just too gutted to do anything better.<br></i></p>
<p>The main talking point prior to the match was <span>Wayne Rooney's</span> exclusion from the starting XI. Turns out <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> knows what he was doing. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> were outstanding for 56 minutes.</p>
<p>Just before kick-off, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was showered with affectionate applause by the vociferous Old Trafford crowd-- and then booed on his first touch. The surprises from Ferguson continued as it was <span>Ryan Giggs</span> -- in his 1,000th appearance -- that started on the right, Nani was on the left, and <span>Danny Welbeck</span> was just behind lead striker <span>Robin van Persie</span>. United were happy to soak up pressure but their shape was disciplined and Real Madrid never were a consistent (counter-) attacking threat. Instead, it was the home side that was most incisive, particularly Welbeck and Nani on the break. Ferguson clearly was targeting Alvaro Arbeola in transitions while the Real right-back was given all the space he could ever want when the away side had the ball. It was 0-0 at half-time but the Reds deserved a lead.</p>
<p>Soon after the start of the second-half, United got their goal from a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> own-goal. All was well. Then in the 56th minute, the entire two-legged tie -- which had more than lived up it's grand hype -- was ruined by referee Cuneyt Cakir when he shockingly decided to send off Nani for a high-boot on Arbeola. Quite simply, the decision was awful and it changed everything.</p>
<p>Immediately after United went down to ten-men, Real upped the pressure and not surprisingly, they got two quick goals from substitute <span>Luka Modric</span> and former United man Ronaldo. The Reds valiantly fought back but they were repeatedly denied by the outstanding Diego Lopez in goal -- arguably the Spanish side's most impressive player over the two legs. As anticipated, the United (understandably) crowded the Turkish referee at full-time while Ferguson yelled things you probably wouldn't want children to hear.</p>
<p>My initial reaction is obviously anger towards Cakir and just heart-break from the loss. I'm so proud of the players because they deserved to go through and they proved to me that they are a very, very good team. This is close to being an elite side. One certainly better than I've personally given them credit for. It was such a joy seeing Ryan Giggs boss the match at 39-years-old and in his 1,000th match. It was a treat to see a youngster like Danny Welbeck thrive on such a big stage -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> is likely hoping he'll never have to play against him again. Every Red should be proud -- whether you're a player, a coach, part of the staff at the club, or a supporter. And it's because of all of this that I'm so incredibly gutted. We deserved better. This defeat will stick with me for a long time.</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/5/4068454/manchester-united-1-2-real-madrid-post-match-reaction-threadGene Um2013-03-05T18:45:00+00:002013-03-05T18:45:00+00:00Live Match Thread & Lineups: United vs Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>If you're not fortunate enough to be at Old Trafford for this grand European night, then this live match thread is the next best thing! </p> <p align="center"><b>KO: </b>7:45pm GMT, 2:45pm EST | Old Trafford</p>
<p align="center"><b>LIVE TV: </b>ITV1 (U.K.), FOX Soccer (U.S.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>WEATHER: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://uk.weather.com/weather/today/UKOL0028:1:UK">Manchester, England</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>PREVIEW: </b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/3/5/4065218/manchester-united-vs-real-madrid-preview">The Busby Babe</a></i></p>
<p align="center"><b>REFEREE: </b>Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)</p>
<p align="center"><b>ODDS: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> 19/10, Draw 12/5, Real Madrid 13/10</p>
<p align="left"><b><i>Manchester United starting XI (4-4-1-1):</i> </b>David de Gea | Rafael, <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, Nemanja Vidic, <span>Patrice Evra</span> | Nani, <span>Michael Carrick</span>, <span>Tom Cleverley</span>, <span>Danny Welbeck</span> | <span>Ryan Giggs</span> | <span>Robin van Persie</span></p>
<p align="left"><b><i>United bench:</i> </b><span>Anders Lindegaard</span>, <span>Jonny Evans</span>, <span>Wayne Rooney</span>, <span>Shinji Kagawa</span>, <span>Antonio Valencia</span>, <span>Ashley Young</span>, <span>Javier Hernandez</span> (Chicharito)</p>
<p align="left"><b><i>Real Madrid starting XI (4-2-3-1):</i> </b>Diego Lopez | Alvaro Arbeola, Raphael Varane, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a>, Fabio Coentrao | <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> | Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> | Gonzalo Higuain</p>
<p align="left"><b><i>Madrid bench:</i> </b>Antonio Adan, Raul Albiol, Pepe, <span>Luka Modric</span>, Kaka, Jose Callejon, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a></p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/5/4065914/manchester-united-vs-real-madrid-live-match-thread-lineups-champions-leagueGene Um2013-03-05T06:04:20+00:002013-03-05T06:04:20+00:00Preview: Manchester United vs Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Manchester United's second-leg of their two-legged UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid: form guide, team news, lineup projections, tactics, TV info, referee appointment, and odds. </p> <p>Quite often in these sort of grand encounters between two storied clubs, the actual football fails to match the eager anticipation of the tie. Thus far, that has not been the case for Manchester United and Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match-up. Nearly three weeks ago at the famed Santiago Bernabeu, the Reds and Los Merengues played to a sumptuous 1-1 draw. <span>Danny Welbeck</span> opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he fought off <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> to head home a <span>Wayne Rooney</span> corner. The irrepressible <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> brilliantly equalised 10 minutes later when he picturesquely rose high to hammer in a header from an Angel di Maria cross. Wonderful football followed, but the goals dried up, partially due to some tremendous goalkeeping from David de Gea and Diego Lopez. The stage is set for a potentially terrific 2nd-leg at the Theatre of Dreams.</p>
<p align="center"><b>MANCHESTER UNITED</b></p>
<p align="left"><i><b>Form Guide</b></i><b>: </b>Up to this point, the season has gone as well as desired for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. They currently enjoy a 12-point advantage over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> in the Premier League title-race and they're still alive in their two most important cup competitions. Quite obviously, tonight's match will be instrumental for United's European ambitions while a challenging FA Cup quarter-final tie with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> awaits them on Sunday. The Reds have not lost a match of consequence since mid-November.</p>
<p align="left"><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b><span>Paul Scholes</span> (knee) and <span>Phil Jones</span> (ankle) have been ruled out. [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/3/4/4062976/phil-jones-ruled-out-for-real-madrid-uefa-champions-league">Full Team News Report</a>]</p>
<p align="center"><b>REAL MADRID</b></p>
<p align="left"><b><i>Form Guide</i>: </b>It's been a hugely disappointing La Liga season for <span>Jose Mourinho's</span> side as they currently sit 13 points back of FC Barcelona in the title race. They have, though, hit peak form for the season and this is perhaps most evident by their recent two el clasico victories over the Blagurana in the past week. Tonight's match at Old Trafford is the most important of the season for Real as their success may be defined solely by their pursuit of <i>la decima.* </i></p>
<p align="left"><i>* The chase of an elusive 10th European Cup triumph</i></p>
<p align="left"><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b>Captain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a> is the only player unavailable.</p>
<p align="center"><b>PROJECTING LINEUPS</b></p>
<p align="left"><i><b>United</b></i><b>: </b>Ferguson, as is typical, is likely to have a few surprise selections choices. Five players, though, seem certain to start at obvious postions -- David de Gea in goal, Rafael at right-back, <span>Patrice Evra</span> at left-back, <span>Michael Carrick</span> in central-midfield, and <span>Robin van Persie</span> at striker.</p>
<p align="left">In central-defense, the manager will pick two of <span>Jonny Evans</span>, Nemanja Vidic, and <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>. The latter seems most likely to start if he's fully recovered from a supposed flu he was battling last week. There's been caution with Vidic the past few months as the club has been reluctant to use him twice in a week because of a recently surgically repaired knee and he featured just three days ago against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a>. Therefore, while the captain is certainly still possible to start for United's biggest game of the season, it might be Evans -- who was superb at the Bernabeu -- that gets the nod instead.</p>
<p align="left">The remaining four selection choices will depend on the shape and tactics Ferguson elects to go with. A 4-4-1-1ish shape is probable but a midfield diamond or a 4-3-3/4-5-1 are possible. With Jones out, it seems that <span>Tom Cleverley</span> is the most likely candidate to join Carrick in midfield, although <span>Ryan Giggs</span> and Anderson are in contention.</p>
<p align="left">In attack, Rooney is very probable to start and he could be deployed either in support of van Persie in a No.10/secondary striker role or as a wide player like he was during the reverse fixture. <span>Antonio Valencia</span> and Nani are others in contention on the right-side of attack while all of Nani, Giggs, Welbeck, <span>Ashley Young</span>, and <span>Shinji Kagawa</span> are possible on the left. The Japanese playmaker is also possible in a No.10 role.</p>
<p align="left"><i><b>Madrid</b></i><b>: </b>For Mourinho, his selection choices are relatively easy to project. Lopez will continue to deputise for Casillas in goal, Alvaro Arbeola is anticipated at right-back, and Fabio Coentrao will be the left-back. In central-defense, Ramos and Raphael Varane are expected but Pepe is possible.</p>
<p align="left">In Real's double-pivot, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a> will start as will the talisman Ronaldo. Mesut Ozil is likely to be in a No.10 role but he could be shunted out wide if Mourinho opts for more midfield solidity by bringing in <span>Luka Modric</span> or Pepe at the expense of di Maria. The Argentinian winger, though, is in-form at the moment and is expected to start on the wing. Up front, either Gonzalo Higuain or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> will feature.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" align="left"><img src="http://this11.com/boards/abEmTMVahe.jpg"></p>
<p align="left"><i>* Diagram 1: Possible starting XI's for Manchester United and Real Madrid.</i></p>
<p align="center"><b>TACTICAL KEYS<br></b></p>
<p align="left"><i><b>* Phil Jones' (expected) absence</b></i><b>: </b>Yes, I understand that Ferguson has ruled out Jones. However, the words came from <i>Sir Alex's </i>mouth so forgive me if I think there is a very slight possibility of seeing the combative 20-year-old's name on the team sheet when it's released at about 6:45pm GMT. It's very, very unlikely though, and Jones wasn't seen in training yesterday by the media that attended the session. So moving on...</p>
<p align="left">Jones is nowhere near United's most influential player but for this particular tie, his absence will be enormously influential tactically. Ferguson entrusted him to shadow Ronaldo whenever the Portuguese drifted away from the left flank. In addition, the England international also doubled-up on the Real talisman when there was an opportunity to shackle him with Rafael. United don't have a like-for-like replacement for the role Jones played so United will be a different team from the one at the Bernabeu.</p>
<p align="left">In short, Jones was tremendous in the role Ferguson asked him to play but the concentration of one central-midfielder on a single opposition player led to defensive isolation for some other United players and larger gaps for the Spanish side to exploit. That was the risk United were willing to live with and in general, despite the necessity of an incredible de Gea performance in goal, it worked to a degree as Ronaldo wasn't shackled, but his attacking prowess was contained somewhat. Without Jones, United will likely take a more balanced defensive approach and as a whole, this might allow them more control than they had at the Bernabue. However, with the shackles off and possible increased freedom, will that simply result in more opportunities for the dangerous Ronaldo to win the tie?</p>
<p align="left">For more detailed analysis of what life without Jones might be like for this match, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/3/4/4034246/what-does-phil-jones-absence-mean-for-manchester-united-against-real-madrid">read this</a></b>.</p>
<p align="left"><i><b>* United's approach and their awareness of Real's lethal counterattack</b></i><b>: </b>This can't be stressed enough: it is suicidal to allow Real space to break into. Sir Alex addressed this threat yesterday at his pre-match press conference:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"As we know, Real Madrid are one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe. That showed itself last Tuesday at the Nou Camp [versus Barcelona] – they were absolutely stunning on the counter-attack so we have to find a way of coping with that while also having our own threat in an attacking sense. If you’re preparing for a game of football at our level you have to respect the strengths of the other team, which we do. Every team we play against, we do work in terms of their shape, their tactics and who their best players are. You’re only doing your job. That applies itself tomorrow."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson</p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left">In <a target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/mar/04/manchester-united-real-madrid-tactics">Michael Cox's preview piece</a> for the <i>Guardian</i>, he had this anecdote exemplifying Real's lethality when they counterattack:</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="left"><i>'There was a curious moment midway through the first half of Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Saturday that showed how even Real's most frequent opponents struggle to comprehend the scale of their counterattacking threat.</i></p>
<p><i>Pepe went down injured, so Real knocked the ball out of play near the halfway line to allow the defender to receive treatment. When the match restarted, Barcelona returned the ball to Real in the most cynical way possible - thumping it downfield to give José Mourinho's side a throw-in close to the corner flag, then pushing forward to press, boxing Real into the corner.</i></p>
<p><i>It was highly unsporting, clearly, but it was also extremely foolish. Real absolutely thrive in those scenarios - dead ball situations close to their own goal, forcing the opposition to concede space behind their defence. Eight Barcelona players were now committed into Real's half and within five seconds Kaká and Karim Benzema were breaking against Barcelona's two centre-backs, the move coming to a premature conclusion with Kaka's miscontrol.'</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It should be noted that Real will even be an enormous counterattacking threat when United have a corner. Mourinho's side struggle to defend on corners -- which Welbz is aware of -- but when the ball is cleared, they can be in the opposition's penalty area within seconds. Ozil is a magician when directing breaks from corners (he's typically on the edge of the area when the corner is taken) while the technical ability, pace, and movement of Ronaldo and di Maria make them optimal players for that situation.</p>
<p>At the Bernabeu, Ferguson got his tactics right. In general, United rarely committed too many players forward and they were able to deny Real space to break into when possession was won. They had an effective outlet to relieve pressure as well by using Welbeck's pace advantage on the left against Arbeola. The Reds, though, did absorb too much pressure at times -- something Ferguson admitted to in his post-match comments -- but this wasn't the result of them allowing Real to counterattack. The home side was often forced to patiently break down a United side with nine players behind the ball. Chances for Mourinho's side most frequently occurred because of individual defensive errors or because of the larger gaps United players were forced to guard due to Jones' patrolling of Ronaldo.</p>
<p>Will Ferguson look to take the territory battle higher up the pitch at Old Trafford? That is perhaps the key tactical question. If so, how will the manager instruct his side to do this and what safeguards will he take to prevent the away side from counterattacking? It's interesting that in Cox's preview piece, he suggests that United should play like the 'away team.'</p>
<p align="center"><b>KO: </b>7:45pm GMT, 2:45pm EST | Old Trafford</p>
<p align="center"><b>Live TV: </b>ITV1 (U.K.), FOX Soccer (U.S.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>Referee: </b>Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)</p>
<p align="center"><b>Odds: </b>Manchester United 19/10, Draw 12/5, Real Madrid 13/10</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/5/4065218/manchester-united-vs-real-madrid-previewGene Um2013-03-04T16:37:15+00:002013-03-04T16:37:15+00:00United Team News for Real Madrid: Jones ruled out
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
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<p>Manchester United are fortunate to have a mostly healthy squad for the titanic clash with Real Madrid. There is one monstrous absence, though, that is likely to be very impacting in regards to Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics and selection choices. </p> <p>It's been speculated and now it's been confirmed by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> manager <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span>: <span>Phil Jones</span> will be unavailable for tomorrow night's UEFA Champions League tie against Real Madrid because of an ankle injury sustained against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> in a recent FA Cup clash. It's obviously unfortunate because of the tremendous job the energetic 20-year-old did in providing inside cover against the unstoppable <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> whenever the former United attacker drifted away from the left flank during the reverse leg at the Bernabeu. Without the Englishman, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/3/4/4034246/what-does-phil-jones-absence-mean-for-manchester-united-against-real-madrid">the Reds will be a different side</a> at Old Trafford from the one that valiantly competed in Madrid. Here is what Ferguson had to say about Jones during his pre-match press conference held earlier today:</p>
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<p>"Phil's not fit and won't be fit for tomorrow," Sir Alex stated. "I think his performance over there was absolutely excellent. It's a miss but we can't see it as something we can't manage. We've got options and hopefully we'll get that right. We must trust the players. That's what we always do and they must trust each other."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson | Source: <i>ManUtd.com</i></p>
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<p align="left"><span>Ryan Giggs</span> is currently sitting on 999 career appearances and the manager has stated recently that the legendary Welshman would make his 1,000th during tomorrow's grand European encounter. It's not certain, though, whether the midfielder will start or not:</p>
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<p align="left">"Ryan will be involved at some point tomorrow, either as a starter or on the bench. I haven't made my mind up yet. He'll be important to us."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson</p>
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<p align="left">In the front six, <span>Robin van Persie</span> and <span>Michael Carrick</span> are certain starters while <span>Wayne Rooney</span> is very likely as well. That likely leaves Giggs in contention for one of the three remaining spots.</p>
<p align="left">In the back, Ferguson will select David de Gea in goal, Rafael at right-back, and <span>Patrice Evra</span> at left-back. In central-defense, the selection dilemma is between <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, Nemanja Vidic, and <span>Jonny Evans</span>:</p>
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<p align="left">"The three centre-back [Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evans] playing well. It's a good problem for me to have. I'll make that decision tomorrow [about which two play]. I couldn't be happier with the three of them."</p>
<p align="right">- Ferguson</p>
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<p align="left">Rio was speculated to have missed Saturday's match with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> because he had apparently been battling the flu. The former United and England captain likely would have been rested anyway with Real Madrid in mind because the manager is trying to avoid featuring the 34-year-old twice in a week. There are similar health concerns with Vidic because of his surgically repaired knee. The United captain started on Saturday so it's uncertain if he'll be risked four days later for tomorrow night's tie. This was a concern for Ferguson in the reverse fixture -- when a similar span of only two days rest was provided for Vidic from a previous game in which he featured -- so this might make it easier for the gaffer to give Evans the nod. The Northern Ireland international is in splendid form and he was tremendous at the Bernabeu.</p>
<p align="left">Overall, United have a very healthy squad at the moment. Besides Jones, the only other unavailable players are <span>Paul Scholes</span> (knee) and <span>Darren Fletcher</span> (ulcerative colitis).</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/4/4062976/phil-jones-ruled-out-for-real-madrid-uefa-champions-leagueGene Um2013-03-04T09:00:03+00:002013-03-04T09:00:03+00:00What life without Phil Jones could mean
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
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<p>If Phil Jones is unavailable against Real Madrid, then that is likely to heavily influence Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics and numerous selection choices. It will also make Manchester United a very different team from the one at the Bernabeu. </p> <p>When pondering how <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> might cope with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/3/1/4042988/manchester-united-team-news-robin-van-persie-fit-for-norwich-city">Phil Jones' likely absence</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2013/2/21/4012488/manchester-united-team-news-phil-jones-a-concern-for-real-madrid"> </a>for the return UEFA Champions League knock-out tie leg with Real Madrid, the concern is basically <i>how can Sir Alex Ferguson's side find an alternative way to contain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>?</i></p>
<p>Just to briefly recap, Jones has been instrumental since the new year -- from a right-sided central-midfield position -- in helping to contain influential attackers such as Tottenham's <span>Gareth Bale</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> <span>Marouane Fellaini</span>, and Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. This hasn't necessarily been in strict man-marking roles as some have suggested -- although, his tracking of the Belgian was pretty much a shadowing job -- but rather it's been in an inside cover role. Whenever Bale or Ronaldo drifted into central areas or even to the opposite flank, the energetic Jones would eagerly follow them around the pitch in an effort to shackle them. In that regard, I suppose there's remnants of man-marking.</p>
<p>United don't have a like-for-like replacement for Jones. The versatile 20-year-old fancies himself as a defender -- specifically as a central one -- but his combativeness, mobility, and energy provides Ferguson a defensive presence in central-midfield that no other player in the squad can. If Jones is indeed unavailable for Tuesday night's European tie, the manager will have to find a different way to cope with Ronaldo -- arguably the most dangerous attacker in the world at the moment.</p>
<p>The most obvious candidate to replace Jones in midfield is <span>Tom Cleverley</span>. The England international has generally been first-choice alongside <span>Michael Carrick</span> for most of this season's key encounters. However, against Madrid at the Bernabeu, the midfielder was never involved. If he does get the nod for return leg against <span>Jose Mourinho's</span> side, it's most likely going to be in a double-pivot with Carrick. And despite Cleverley's qualities -- technical abilities which Jones does not possess -- he cannot provide the same sort of shielding qualities that the combative 20-year-old can.</p>
<p>The most typical system for United in big games this season has been <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/12/11/3753370/a-counterattacking-4-4-1-1-is-becoming-manchester-uniteds-big-game">a counterattacking 4-4-1-1</a>. Early on in the season -- particularly away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, home to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>, and away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> -- this meant keeping the lines compact, absorbing pressure, and then springing forward on the counterattack when possession was won. More specifically, the breaks often occurred on the flanks.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://this11.com/boards/abDSrIZafj.jpg"></p>
<p><i>Diagram 1: United often created 2 v 1 overloads down the flanks with the full-back and winger combining after lightning quick breaks. </i></p>
<p>This is a system that certainly is very possible for Ferguson's side against Madrid. Rather than having a particular central-midfielder like Jones shadow Ronaldo whenever he inevitably cuts inside towards goal from the left, an organized and compact shape would require a cohesive effort in order to shackle to the Portuguese attacker. Madrid's other wide attacker -- Angel di Maria -- also tends to move into increasingly central positions the nearer to goal he gets. In this counterattacking 4-4-1-1 system, United would simply hope to absorb and deal with the pressure as a collective unit whenever the Madrid front four funnel towards the United goal.</p>
<p>If Cleverley -- or possibly <span>Ryan Giggs</span> or Anderson -- is selected in a double-pivot alongside Carrick, then the other critical selection choice with Ronaldo in mind is the right-winger to partner right-back Rafael. During the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu, <span>Wayne Rooney</span> was tasked with a right-sided attacking role. However, the Englishman ended up having a poor match, especially from a defensive perspective. Early on in Madrid, Rafael was seen yelling at Rooney because he needed more protection and it was Mourinho's left-back -- Fabio Coentrao -- that would've opened the scoring if not for a brilliant David de Gea save tipped onto the far-post. After <span>Danny Welbeck</span> did score an opening goal for United against the run of play, Rooney was immediately seen darting to the coaching staff near the touchline with his arms spread wide. Basically, he was expressing his concern that he and Rafael were not compact enough. Quite simply, there was little cohesion between Rafael and Rooney and that right-sided partnership is not likely to be repeated.</p>
<p>Much of Rooney's and Rafael's defensive struggles at the Bernabeu -- particularly in the first-half -- was masked by Jones performing well in his inside cover role. If Jones is out as expected for Tuesday night's game, then that same sort of protection won't be available and there will more of an onus on the right-sided attacker to help Rafael deal with Ronaldo and Coentrao. The most likely candidates appear to be Nani and <span>Antonio Valencia</span>.</p>
<p>In general, United's wingers have been disappointing this season. This is presumably why Ferguson elected to choose Rooney -- more naturally a central-attacking player -- rather than one of his struggling wingers. The main right-side options, though, Nani and Valencia, have shown improved form since the tie in Madrid nearly three weeks ago. The Portuguese winger, in particular, has shown flashes of his match-winning abilities and he's without a doubt the best attacking option for that flank at the moment. The Ecudorian winger still isn't convincing in attack, but he's in contention to start because of his defensive abilities out wide.</p>
<p>Nani's defensive ability has improved over the years and he's typically adequate now, despite having the frustrating tendency to switch off in moments. If Jones were fit to feature in central-midfield, then the Portuguese international would probably be the best option to feature on the right. Without that sort of shielding available in the center of the park though, Ferguson will be contemplating if Nani can offer adequate protection for Rafael.</p>
<p>Valencia has a wonderful understanding with Rafael and this is undoubtedly the most balanced partnership on the right side when the winger is in good form. The problem, though, is that he's not in good attacking form. Ferguson's worry with Valencia will be wondering if the winger can provide enough thrust and ability in attack when United break forward. If there's no effective outlet on the right-side, then the Reds will continually be re-absorbing attack after attack from Madrid. These are the sort of dilemmas the gaffer is likely considering with the possibility of Jones being out.</p>
<p>If Ferguson still doesn't trust either Nani or Valencia to start the match, then other possibilities on the right include <span>Ashley Young</span>, <span>Shinji Kagawa</span>, Cleverley, Welbeck, or Rooney (again). None of these players, except for Young, would provide genuine width so there would be concern if one of these players -- in a nominal wide role -- would be able to provide an outlet down the flank in order to relieve pressure. Against Madrid with Rooney on the right, and against Spurs recently with Cleverley on the right, United looked disjointed when possession was won because they didn't have their familiar out-ball near the right touchline. Because of this, in both those matches at the Bernabeu and at White Hart Lane, United were forced to deal with attack after attack because they had little sustained relief from their own attackers.</p>
<p>There's always the possibility, of course, that Ferguson could go away from his familiar 4-4-1-1ish shape and instead, use a diamond midfield or a 4-3-3/4-5-1. The diamond is a system that United have used numerous times earlier in the season while a three-man central-midfield has been something deployed often by Ferguson in past years for difficult European ties. Both shapes would allow the home side on Tuesday night to clog the midfield and perhaps better deal with the onrush of attackers through the middle -- Ronaldo, di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a>, Mesut Ozil, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira">Sami Khedira</a> -- whenever Madrid near the United goal.</p>
<p>United are arguably a team hitting peak form right now for this season and they did tremendously well to earn a 1-1 away result at the Bernabeu. Tuesday night's game, though, is obviously a challenge against one of Europe's best sides and against perhaps the world's greatest attacker at the moment in Cristiano Ronaldo*. There is no shame if Ferguson takes a reactive approach and besides, Madrid aren't a team you want to recklessly attack and then leave space for them to counterattack into -- they are perhaps the best side in the world in quick transitions.</p>
<p><i>* <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi's</a> relative dip in form is likely to be extremely temporary.</i></p>
<p>Jones' likely unavailability against Ronaldo and co. presents Ferguson many worries. The pseudo man-marking ability by the versatile 20-year-old has been an extraordinary asset in recent months and now because the value of it is very obvious, particularly against Madrid, the absence of that option at the manager's disposal is likely to give him headaches while planning for Tuesday night. It's likely going make selection-choices more complicated than usual because of the trickle-down effect of Jones' absence. There will be an emphasis on the collective rather the reliance of the Englishman's individual defensive abilities.</p>
<p>This could make United a more balanced side though. Without having one central player being so concerned with one player from the opposition side, there would be more stability in the overall shape. Carrick would presumably not be so isolated against the likes of Ozil, Khedira, and Xabi Alonso while Patrice Evra would have a bit more assistance in dealing with di Maria. But then again -- the original problem -- would Jones not shackling Ronaldo allow the ruthless Portuguese attacker too much freedom? It's uncertain how United will perform if Phil Jones doesn't feature on Tuesday night, but it will make them a very different team.</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2013/3/4/4034246/what-does-phil-jones-absence-mean-for-manchester-united-against-real-madridGene Um