Inter Milan vs. Manchester United: the San Siro Beckons

When Manchester United travel to the San Siro next Tuesday, they will go there as Champions of England, Champions of Europe, and, most of all, Champions of the World.

But surely, that title does not scare their opponents. Inter Milan currently lead the Serie A table by nine points, and under new manager Jose Mourinho, will be looking to send the Red Devils packing.

United currently look unstoppable.  They have not let in a Premier League goal since their visit to the Emirates, where they crumbled to a young Arsenal side. Their team is firing on all fronts once again, and impressive displays from fringe players like Darron Gibson in the Carling Cup suggest United have the strength in depth.

With veteran Ryan Giggs in his best form in years, Inter would do well to keep out the goals. But for United, the problem lies at the back.

With Nemanja Vidic out for the first leg, due to suspension, it is doubtful that the back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans can stop Inter's formidable attack.

Inter, surely, are the favourites for the first leg. But back home in Manchester, it will be an entirely different tale.

Most of all, the tie is down to one face-off. It is Sir Alex Ferguson against Jose Mourinho, with the latter ready to seek revenge against the man who cost him his job at Chelsea. It will be down to tactics and motivation, and no doubt, one thing that has brought Ferguson years of success:

Let the mind games begin.

Key Players

Dimitar Berbatov- With United's back line full of doubt, it will be up to the Bulgarian hitman to bring in the goals. United will be looking to attack as often as they can, and if he can get the goals, it will be game over for Inter in the second leg.

Patrick Vieira- It will be crucial for the Frenchman to stop United's attacking build-up, and if he succeeds, Inter could well find themselves in a comfortable position heading into the second leg.

Prediction: FC Internazionale 3 Manchester United 2.

Look out for end-to-end action, and an exciting display of skill from both sides. And of course, goals aplenty at each end. This game should turn out to be an absolute classic.