Ronaldo scored a spectacular goal and sent United through to the semi-finals in what was probably the most boring game of the Champions League quarter-finals.
It only took Ronaldo 6 minutes to create the space necessary to unleash his rocket on goalkeeper, Helton. After a start like that, I began to brace myself for another mouth watering goal fest like the Chelsea v Liverpool game just a day before. But it was far from that.
Don’t get me wrong, United did what they had to do, and it was enough to get them through. They became the first British side to win at the Estadio do Dradao in over 40 years. I just expected more goals more excitement. But I guess when your team gets through it doesn’t matter how its done.
United did secure their first shutout in over a month, thanks in large part to the return of Ferdinand and Vidic. And its that duo that will win trophies for United.
Because the offense could not keep the ball in top half of the field. Rooney would drop into his own 18 to win a ball and when it was cleared there was no one up top to keep the ball. Berbatov is only effective in front of goal, he has absolutely no speed, and is useless unless United is on the attacking half of the field.
I like Anderson and think he has great potential, but this was not a game for the young Brazilian. He just turned the ball over too easily. He needs to work on his right foot a little more and taking some shots while keeping them on frame.
Sir Alex took the right players off, Anderson and Berbatov were not contributing. But I feel the subs were made a little late, and I would like to have seen Tevez come on for Berbatov, not Nani.
But United are through! April 29th United will host Arsenal.
Tags: Champions League, Manchester United, Porto, Ronaldo