Manchester United/Marseille 0-0: Champions League Last 16 Reaction And Analysis

In the drone of the Stade Veledrome, Manchester United produced an insipid performance, castrated by lethargy and beset with a plethora of errors in no way befitting the league leaders.

Yet, because of Marseille‘s failure to create any sustained discernible goal threat, they will happily take a 0-0 draw back to Old Trafford with the self-assuredness that comes with being England’s most decorated team.

In the build up to the game, the "injury crisis" that had beset United’s squad in recent weeks was bandied about as an obstacle that could compromise the Red Devils progress against the attacking flair of OM.

The sustained absences of England captain Rio Ferdinand and young Irishman Jonny Evans meant the onus was once more placed on the youthful shoulders of Chris Smalling to deputise in United’s rearguard alongside Nemanja Vidic.

On the day, Ferguson was able to choose a fairly strong line-up for the trip to the Stade Veledrome, selecting both Wayne Rooney and Dimtar Berbatov to lead the United line.

Young Ulsterman Darron Gibson also came into the side, despite a relatively underwhelming performance in Saturday’s farce against Crawley, prefered to Paul Scholes.

Marseille controlled the early interchanges as United struggled to gain a foot-hold in the match. What followed was essentially a game of cat and mouse, a boxing match in which only jabs were thrown.

Nothing really happened.

Darren Fletcher had United’s best chance of the game in the first half but his strike from the edge of the box, after good build-up play, was well smothered by Mandanda at the second attempt diving to his right.

United’s lethargic first half display promised the prospect of better in the second half.

After all who can resist the might of the Fergudrier?

Although United were certainly better in the second period, effectively nullifying the Marseille threat of the first half, the game ended as it began—in stalemate.

The game could be used as a metaphor for United’s season.

They didn’t play with the fireworks synonymous of the Ronaldo United, but they were effective, well marshalled at the back and came out with a result that should ensure their progression.

Going on to Old Trafford, they will be confident.

Less constrained by the stigma that comes with a European away side, Fergie’s boys will, in theory, overawe the French side at the venue in which they have won 17 of their 20 matches this season.

In theory.

The game signals a key period in United’s season with away games against Chelsea, Wigan and Liverpool and the FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient or Arsenal before Marseille’s trip to Old Trafford on the 15th of March.

They will have to up their game.