It’s a major setback for Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the first-leg of United’s Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night, as well as their quest for a fourth successive Premier League title. Giggs will miss both games against Milan – and a reunion with old friend David Beckham – as well as the Carling Cup final against Villa at Wembley on February 28, plus a sequence of other key league matches.In addition, it provides Ferguson with a double headache in terms of his wide players as Nani will serve a three-match ban following his red card for his reckless tackle on Stiliyan Petrov at Villa Park. The ban only applies to domestic matches, but because Giggs will be missing when United face Everton on February 20 and West Ham three days later, as well as the Carling Cup showpiece, Ferguson will have to rely on Antonio Valencia to provide width, unless he turns to the largely untested Gabriel Obertan. On a more positive note, Rio Ferdinand is available for the trip to Italy, while defender Nemanja Vidic is nearing full fitness after a nerve problem.
Crucially, United have a weekend off in which to re-group, thanks to their FA Cup third-round exit against Leeds last month. ‘In terms of preparing for a European tie we are pleased to have a free weekend,’ said Ferguson. ‘By fortune we don’t have a game on Saturday as we are out of the Cup and we are going to take full advantage of it.’
No comments:
Post a Comment