Man Utd. To Face “Roaring” Lyons

December 25, 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Lyon represent the toughest task Manchester United has ever been given, considering their being a sixth-time French Champions, as they look forward to the coming Champions League quarter-finals.

In fact, Sir Alex Ferguson is seeking for an old friend’s advice prior to Manchester United’ match against Lyon in the final 16 of the Champions League at the Stade Gerland.

Even though Arsenal and Liverpool have been offered as much as difficult teams to battle with, with AC Milan and Inter respectively and with Celtic having to deal with Barcelona, for United, given their top performances, a jaunt with Lyon is about as hard as it could get.

Ken Ramsden, the United club secretary, without any doubt believes Lyon is one of the better choices for them. The club likes playing with good teams and Lyon will surely give them a tough challenge. Sir Alex knows what Lyon can do during matches so he will be watching over his team and the team they are to face every now and then.

Coached by ex-Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin, Lyon knocked down Rangers at Ibrox to get to the last 16 and Ferguson does not need to be harked back of how United fell two in the wake of their last trip to the Stade Gerland three years ago, only for Ruud van Nistelrooy to drag their level with an unanticipated strut.

Currently four points leading with Nancy in Le Championnat from behind, Lyon have upheld their ascendancy of the French game regardless of the regular lack of key men such as Eric Abidal, Michael Essien and Mahamadou Diarra. In connection, Lyon have won the French championship for six consecutive years, which is unbelievable considering that the team had lost a number of players over the last few years..

Ferguson knows that they have to give the match their best shot if they do want to make it through. He is certain that it will not be an easy game but optimistically, he hopes to have all his squads available in the coming match. If he can pick the players that he believes will be perfect to match with the players of the other team, he is certain that they will have a very good chance on winning.

Lyon manager Alain Perrin on the other hand harmonized with his Scottish counterpart about the intricacy of their rivals. According to him, Manchester was one of the teams he wanted to avoid since he has seen how well they were doing in their previous matches.

United have underwent a tumultuous week with their 19-year-old defender Jonny Evans at the hub of rape accusations after a Christmas party in Manchester on Monday. No indictments have been brought and Evans has been unconfined on bail until February. The club being at the center of the events, Ferguson maintained a tight lip when asked if he was prepared to put ahead his judgment on the issue. Ferguson is obviously concentrating on their performance during matches and is hoping for the best.

The first-leg matches will be on February 19 or 20 while the return games on March 4 or 5, apart from Inter Milan v Liverpool on March 11.

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