Inter Milan Vs. Manchester United: UEFA Champion's League Preview

The Champion’s League starts again next Tuesday with the final 16 battling it out to go through to the final eight. When the draw was made this was the game that everyone was wanting- Inter Milan v Manchester United.

These two clubs have fantastic history in the competition and are both one of the favourites to win it this season, unfortunately one of them have to be knocked out.

The draw was made in December, back then Manchester United weren’t firing on all cylinders and it was Inter Milan who were the favourites to go through after the two legs.

Whilst United were struggling, Inter Milan were in fine form with a big lead in Serie A and a confident manager. Since then United have got their form back, they aren’t conceding many goals and are starting to score a few more.

One of the biggest rivalries to come out of this match isn’t between the players, it is the rivalry between two of the best managers- Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has a great record against Sir Alex with six wins and five draws in 12 career meetings.

Strengths

Manchester United- One of the biggest strengths that Man United have right now is that they aren’t conceding many goals, if you don’t concede then you don’t loose matches. The most important thing for Man United is not to loose at the San Siro.

The experience that last years Champion’s League gave young players such as Rooney and Ronaldo could become a influential part of both games.

Over both matches, it could help United that the second leg is being played at Old Trafford, Man United are capable of beating anybody at home.

Inter Milan- One of Inter Milan’s strengths is that Mourinho does know how to win against Man United as proved by the head-to-head record (six wins and five draws for Mourinho).

Another strength is the San Siro, Inter fans can make the stadium like a fiery cauldron which can intimidate the opposition no matter how good they are.

Weaknesses

Manchester United- The biggest weakness for Man United is that for the first leg, they will be without defender Nemanja Vidic. Vidic got sent off while Man United were out in Japan playing in the FIFA World Club Championship, he will be back for the second leg.

Another weakness is that in Europe, Manchester United do struggle in away matches especially when they should be winning, but don’t.

If there was going to be a weakness in United’s defence it could be Jonny Evans. Evans’ has filled in well for Ferdinand when he was injured but this is a European matches, none of them are easy.

The San Siro- Manchester United haven’t won in the last three visits to the San Siro, the most recent was a loss to AC Milan in the Champion’s League a season before last.

Inter Milan- Inter haven’t done that well in the Champion’s League, they struggled in the group stage this year and went out limply last time against Liverpool.

Whilst Manchester United have been winning their matches, Inter Milan have been a bit up and down. They did win the Derby game against AC Milan but they have recently draw against Torino and they lost badly to Atalanta.

Inter finished second in their group which means that they will play the first leg and home and the second away, many feel that finishing the top of the group which guarantees you to play your second leg at home is a massive advantage. If Inter draw or loose at home, that would leave them with a lot of work to do.

Overall

You would have to be a fool to rule either team out of going through to the next round. Both teams have world class players and both are capable of going through.

It will depend on how both teams perform over the two matches.

If I was to make a prediction, I would predict a 1-1 draw at the San Siro and a 1-0 Manchester United win at Old Trafford.

Whoever goes through, they will have a great chance to going to the final in Rome.