Inter-United: Stalemate at the San Siro

Manchester United will host Internazionale in just over two weeks time for the return leg of their round of 16 Champions League clash after having played to a 0-0 draw at the Giuseppi Meazza on Tuesday night.

United dominated possession and had all of the chances in the first half. Ronaldo had what was perhaps the best chance after just five minutes when his good header was met with an even better save by Julio Cesar.

Giggs found himself onside after sitting on a defenders hip, but Cesar came up with another brilliant save, conceding a corner which United did nothing with.

Halftime came and the Inter fans were restless. I think Sir Alex Ferguson's team talk at half had to be positive.

Unfortunately, United didn't carry much of that probable positivity to the field in the second half.

Inter controlled the possession out of the break and created a few chances, none of which they were able to do anything with.

Jose Mourinho made some substitutions throughout the second half, which put a more attacking-minded side on the pitch.

United defended brilliantly and didn't really concede an easy chance to Inter. John O'Shea and Johnny Evans had to face fitness tests before the match; they obviously passed and put on great performances.

United will get Nemanja Vidic back for the return leg, and it is likely that either Gary Neville or Wes Brown will be healthy in two weeks time.

While Alex Ferguson and United fans will have wanted an away goal to take back to Old Trafford, this result was probably acceptable.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a much more attacking formation for the return leg as well.

Ferguson decided to start Berbatov up top, with Ronaldo filling in the space behind him. Giggs replaced Berbatov at that position and the Bulgarian and Ronaldo slotted in behind Giggs for the majority of the match.

I'd expect to see a more traditional 4-4-2 in two weeks. I would also expect to see Scholes and Rooney starting. Surely United will be going for the win.

United did a fantastic job closing down the two Inter strikers, Ibrahimovic and Adriano. The duo were mostly forced away from goal when they had possession of the ball.

The Inter defense did a much better job in the second half, but I would still assert that United created better chances in the second half than Inter were able to produce.

Ronaldo nearly found Park Ji Sung on a cross on 67 minutes, but the ball rolled through the box and was cleared for a corner.

Rooney was subbed on for park with less than 10 minutes to play, and was really given no time to assert himself offensively.

The game ended after Ronaldo had Julio Cesar boggled by a free kick that curled, dipped, swerved, and found the Inter goalkeeper's left shoulder and arm.

I'd expect an extremely open tie for the return leg. It will more than likely look like the first 30 minutes of the first half of this one looked.

United have to be firm favorites, but I am sure Jose Mourinho is foaming at the mouth for a chance to knock United out of the Champions League for a second consecutive time at Old Trafford.

It should be a great tie, and I'll see you all for a preview!

Cheers!