Formality game for both teams this. Fergie said Evans, Pique, Eagles, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Saha and Dong are sure to play. Good chance for the youngsters top show something. I highly doubt we can get anything out of this game but hopefully it'll be an entertaining tie.

Big chance though for Saha to get a goal. Same goes for Dong.

I guess it will not be a good match both teams had qualified and the match will not make any change in the group, I guess Roma will field some substitutes too.

Why are these threads up so early??

Uhmm, cos its an important game?

How did you fit your smartass into your pants...

My point is why start a thread important or not, 3 days before the actual event, when one of the more experienced manU members/mods could have set one up imo much better and put more effort into it, this is just reserving the thread so you can brag you set it up, i just think its better to start it up a day before or on the day of the kick off. Important or not, you dont see me opening up a Euro 2008 final thread do you?

Alright, alright.


Anyway, both clubs will want the fans to be happy with the match, but both managers are intelligent enough to field their bench and get some playing time for guys who don't see much action. Both Fergie and Luciano will want to exercise the legs and give experience to the bench just in case starting xi players get hurt or booked. It'll be a good match to watch because both teams will still want to win, just with a different looking squad.

Okaay then, let's move on from debating whether the thread should be opened or not.

I can't see this being much of a game, United have a much more important game at the weekend and we're likely to rest players for then. Can't see the likes of Rooney or Ronaldo starting the game, or getting many minutes. It'll be an exercise and allow the reserves players to make their stance and try to get a positive performance in.

Fergie has already said that the youngsters will be given a chance to come in, weather it's important or not it'll be a good experience for the likes of Eagles, Dong, Evans, Pique and Simpson who haven't really had that much European experience.

I don't know that much about the Roma youngsters or reserves so I couldn't say who's going to win but I'd expect it to be a pretty even match, the Liverpool game at the weekend is much more important so I really do doubt any first team players will get a go in this one.

watch the game live for free, live streams available here

Source: channel4.com





As predicted.

Non-important game for Man United cause of Liverpool next week they have qualified so as roma, Fergie should brought the whole reserve squad instead. Other than that it should be a good game.

As usual there is pride at stake, you dont want to get thumped by Roma, there should be a balance between experienced(Rio,Giggs,VDS) and inexperienced(Pique,Eagles etc), you dont want a clueless reserve squad out there, no1 to look up to, no idea whats going on..

I would have loved to see Darren Gibson tomorrow night but he must be watching it on TV in Sheffield.

Lots of big names missing, but it's a good chance for some of the fringe players to send a signal to the manager. Saha could use a goal to get his confidence, and Nani needs to start really pushing for a starting berth. I'd really like to see Johnny Evans given a start, since Pique has already had a few chances. Simpson IMO is going to be our first choice right back soon (maybe even as soon as next season), so I'm hoping for another assured performance from him if he gets a chance.

Roma's youngsters are always a quality bunch, so it should be a good match.

Spalletti seeks revenge against Reds

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is out to avenge last season's humiliation at Old Trafford when his team host Manchester United on Wednesday.

Both sides have already assured themselves a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, but the memory of their 7-1 demolition in the north-west which eliminated them from the tournament is still very much in their thoughts.

"To meet a club as important and prestigious as Manchester United, gives me a lot of motivation," said Spalletti.

"We will have to measure against their talent. I expect my players to interpret the game and to prove the maturity that this team has shown in recent weeks.

"We want to do well and if we manage to win this game, we will cancel out the 7-1 defeat that is still in the heads of our players and of our fans.

"We want to prove that we are a better side."

Sir Alex Ferguson has decided not to take Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Ryan Giggs with first place in Group F already clinched.

"If you look at Manchester United's team, there are no weaknesses," said Spalletti.

"Despite the absent players, they are a strong team. Hence, it makes no difference.

"They will make life difficult for us but we have to be ready."

Spalletti has warned his players to keep a close eye on England striker Wayne Rooney, who will captain the Red Devils.

"Rooney is a complete player," he said.

"He is not only deadly inside the area but he contributes to his team's play.

"He has strength, he is one of the strongest in his role."

The Giallorossi will be boosted by the presence of captain Francesco Totti, who returned to play in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Livorno after recovering from a foot injury sustained in October.

However, Roma have not been hindered by Totti's absence and have not suffered a defeat in all competitions since October 2 when they lost at Old Trafford.

Spalletti hopes Wednesday's encounter will be a sporting celebration, unlike the ugly scenes which left United fans injured the last time the two teams met in the Italian capital.

"It's important that everyone who goes to the stadium behaves well," said Spalletti.

"I don't know exactly what happened in the stands that day but this sport needs to give an important message and we hope that is the case on Wednesday."

The hosts will be without defender Marco Cassetti, who serves a one-match ban, while centre-half Philippe Mexes has recovered from a knee injury and is available for selection.

---------------

If Spalletti thinks that beating a bunch of 20 year olds who have never played a first team game in their careers will cancel out that result then he's a muppet. And "it makes no difference" that only 3 of our strongest XI will play? lol.

United Squad: Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Eckersley, O'Shea, Pique, Evans, Simpson, Lee, Chester, Cleverley, Hewson, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Fletcher, Dong, Brandy, Saha, Rooney.

Prediction:

^^

Another quality Manchester United fan post (sounds redundant, but many football fans see Man. Utd. fans this way). Why can't you people grow up? Stop being arrogant.

I'm sorry to say it, but it's true what BlitzR is saying. How can a quater final full strenght defeat be compared to a win against a side that has already won the group and is missing 3 key players and full of youngsters?

I will say 1-0 win to Man United, score by either Nani or Saha, again this is a useless game and good for the youngsters to gain some more europe experience.

I hope Andreolli finally gets a start. Roma's two midfield monsters De Rossi and Aquilani are very young, so the youth indeed will be playing..

I'd like to see Curci play again too, he's great!

Spalletti is talking up the game, but I doubt the players (or even him) will take it that seriously. They know it's a dead rubber, and they know they'll be coming up against a reserve side.

Great opportunity for the young lads though; to play an away game in Europe against a top class side at full strength. Hopefully they seize it and make a good impression on the gaffer.

Guys... we all know the match doesn't mean much anymore, but from a managerial perspective, he's just trying to pump his guys up and get the most out of them. You're going to tell me that you wouldn't try and erase a horrible CL memory by pumping your guys up and trying to get the ball rolling as far as form goes when the last 16 is just around the corner?


This is why that comment above is ridiculous. If you guys want, I can start criticizing everything that comes from any Man. Utd. club member's mouth too. We'll all have tons of fun.

That United squad is very weak and i know the game doesnt mean much but with that team United can get hammered 5-0.

There is more chance of Beckham refusing money than that.

Its a nothing game really.

Means nothing to either side.

The real game will be rangers vs Lyon.

Kuszczak
Simpson,Pique,Brown,O'Shea
Nani,Fletcher,Carrick,Eagles
Rooney©,Saha
Subs:Heaton,Evans,Lee,Eckersley,Cleverley,Brandy,Dong,
this is the team to play the night
2-1 roma totti(2) and Fletcher for us

I Must say that i doubt very much that Totti will play for Roma tonight.. They are through and they can't reach Man U, so really no point in putting on a player like him.. Also i heard he was just back from injury..

I dont think Roma will need Totti to beat that Man U team, just put on Okaka Chuka and thats fine..

no totti is back tonight and will play mid

It's a home match, Totti hasn't featured in any big matches and needs match time, he'll get at least half a match on the pitch.

As for Okaka Chuka, he's on loan with Modena for regular time on the pitch.

Apparently 3 English supporters have been stabbed already.

Reported as no one has serious injuries.....man this shit is fuckin irritating!

Bloody joke this, I know it's not the club's fault but they're only ever going to learn if they're kicked out, I'm sure that'd cut it down dramatically.

Do you know what amazes me most about this. And I'm not saying its totally the English peoples fault either....not for one second, but you dont hear about this kind of trouble when Celtic play Milan, or when Shaktar play in Rome....it only seems to be when certian English sides play certian Italian sides. Its not like the Italian "fans" do this to EVERY English side they play, it only seems to be when certain groups face each other....its mental!

Bloody hell! This is absolutely ridiculous stuff.

Our line-up:

Kuszczak
Simpson
O'Shea
Evans
Pique
Eagles
Nani
Fltcher
Carrick
Saha
Wazza ©

SUBS: Heaton, Adam Eckrsley, Dong, Brandy (Febian, not the alcoholic stuff), Browm, Hewson, Lee.

A bit disappointed that Anderson's not even there but Fergie would want to rest him before the Pool game.

Latest report says that 5 English and 1 Italian fan have been stabbed while two big groups of supporters (English and Roman) collided. Police intervened immediately and everything went back to normal

I didn't hear of any trouble on this kind of level when we visited A.C. Milan though. Yet when we set foot in Rome, we get the same treatment we hear other club's supporters warning us about prior to kick-off. If it was indeed our fault, would the reports not read more like "3 Roma fans stabbed"?

I know you're not making accusations Alan, and you make a point that was worth making. English football was once in the state that Italian football is in now, and there are idiots that follow our club around Europe. These incidents aren't down to us though, it's down to the people who carry knives to football games with the intention of causing serious harm.


The Roma extremists have had this reputation for years now, whether it is largely against the English is a mute point.

One Roma fan was also stabbed according to the report I read. So apparently some Man U fans came prepared with knives as well.

3-0 to roma

I say 2-0 to Roma.

Totti's disallowed goal looked very on-side to me, tbh.

Quaestion to Roma fans, how has Antunes been playing this season? just curious, thanx in advance

Roma look like they want to go home already

I can't believe how casual our backline are playing, Evans especially, he's like a young Rio and never panics. Just calmly plays the ball under his feet.

And Pique blows my prediction out of the water. Well in son!

GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL

Roma is playing way to relaxed and careless. time to wake up

Brilliant finish there, the cross in was pretty good as well and Pique just knew where to place it.

That should have been 1-1...as I said...Roma is playing very relaxed and careless.

Roma just missed a great chance....

I think the Totti disallowed goal was indeed on-side...

Very impressive performance by the young lads. Roma are all over the place, they're not even bothering to close down our players. It's been a relatively simple game so far, though we've handled it very well. Nani's been a bit careless but his runs and ball control have been superb. His corners were poor too up until that goal. Nice cushioned header by Pique, get in there son! Carrick and Fletcher are getting far too much time on the ball and are pulling the strings. Shocking miss by Esposito though it was a brilliant 'push' by O'Shea on his back.

Roma dominating posession so far (although not by much) and twice as many shots as manU. Roma missed 2 glorious chances. Hopefully they'll wake up in 2nd half and remember they are playing a game.

ManU looks very weak and disorganized in the final 3rd but doing a good job defensively as opposed to Roma who looks threatening in the final 3rd but way too sloppy in defense allowing an easy easy goal.


Totti looks to be in pain and is mostly waiting around and not even attempting to create much

They're playing reserves and have already qualified. They don't need to care..

here comes all the 'well we're not playing all our main players' excuses. blah blah.

pique's goal was great. it was an amazing cross, and he really finished it well.

i hope we pick it up in the 2nd, would love to see more goals from us.