Manchester United-Inter Milan: A Classic in the Making

They say heaven comes in all shapes and sizes.

Well for the football fan it comes no bigger than this. It’s that time of the year again, and two heavyweights looking to land the first killer blow will be desperate for the Champions League group stages to resume.

The first leg tie taking place in Milan's San Siro has all the makings of a classic.

The match ups are mouth-watering. Zlatan against Ferdinand, Ronaldo against Maicon. Cambiasso and Carrick will do battle for midfield supremacy, while, on the touch line, arguably the two best coaches in the world will pit their wits and go toe-to-toe.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho have unfinished business ever since a Russian linesman ruled Paul Scholes offside, allowing Mourinho's Porto to knock Fergusons United out of the cup competition five years ago.

United are currently in superb form, with "untouchable" being the preferred adjective relating to the team lately. United have not conceeded a goal in the league since November, when Samir Nasri rifled past Edwin van der Sar and wheeled away with a look of joy; a look not shared by any since opposition.

Inter Milan, on the other hand, look like they can be beaten. Having watched the Milan Derby, I must say I am impressed with the pool of players at Inter, but then again haven’t they always had terrific players at their disposal but Inter are the perennial under-achievers.

Ronaldo, Christian Veiri, Roberto Carlos, Ricardo Quaresma, and Robbie Keane are all names that have passed through the San Siro Door, yet still they have not won Europe’s major prize since the '60s.

Inter have always staggered me. Just one glance at their squad and you can see the quality. Names such as Crespo, Figo, and Vieira could all grace the team sheet, yet when it comes down to the crunch they just seem to fail. Cue Jose….

Taking players and getting the best out of them is Jose’s speciality. Adriano with all of his problems can be a world-beater with Jose’s help. Zlatan is a box of tricks Houdini would love to have. The hardcore, diehard blue and black, otherwise known as the Ultras, demand success.

Inter chairman Massimo Morrati is like no other. He has an insatiable appetite for success, even with a financial crisis he’ll spend the necessary money. Young players like Balotelli and Santon add a youthful exuberance to an experienced squad.

On the one hand Inter look like world-beaters, on the other hand they lost to a distinctly average Liverpool side last year, and the English team in their way know are a totally different animal.

Advantage is with United. Not only are they the favourites, they are current European champions, world champions and world-beaters. Add to the fact the second leg is at Old Trafford and as long as united get a favourable result in Italy then they will fancy their chances to progress.

The United team, a few positions aside, picks itself. Out of the back five, only the right back berth is really questionable. Do United go with red Neville's experience or young Rafa's extraordinary talent?

As we move further up the pitch, the question is asked: Do United go 4-3-3 or 4-4-2? If they go 4-4-2, on the wings, Ronaldo is a definite starter, but who plays on the other wing?

Nani has the raw materials and a kick like a mule, but away from home Park Ji-Sung's work ethic and movement will probably give him the nod.

Up front it would be a choice between Rooney and Tevez to partner Berba. It's anyone's guess who will fill that slot, but judging by previous assessments, Ferguson tends to prefer Rooney and use Tevez as an impact player, much like he did when they played Lyon last year, with Carlito scoring at the death.

Inters' side lacks pace through the middle, so unlike many European ties where united go 4-3-3, 4-4-2 offering width and pace may just pick up united a few away goals.

On the pitch there could be 22 world class players and they'll all be wanting to write themselves into European folklore in this classic matchup.

It might just be one of those moments where you reflect with a smile and say, "I witnessed it!"