Champions League: 10 Things Manchester United Learned from Schalke 1st leg
Manchester United left Germany with a convincing 2-0 aggregate lead in their UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg on Tuesday night.
After being kept at bay by an excellent performance from Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney scored to give the Red Devils a significant lead ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Here we take a look at 10 valuable lessons Manchester United will take from the game.
1. the "German Hoodoo" Was a Myth
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Much was made in the pre-game build up of United's poor record against German opposition in the Champions League knockout stages.
The Red Devils had lost to German opposition four consecutive times in two-legged knockout play. United lost at the semifinal stage to Borussia Dortmund in 1997, and to Borussia Dortmund in 2003.
Bayern Munich also eliminated United from the quarter-finals in 2001 and 2010. This supposed curse even caused the official BBC website to run apiece titled "German Hold the Edge over Manchester United."
Reasons for this ranged from the impressive mental strength of German teams, to United using up all their good karma in the dramatic Champions League Final win over Bayern.
Either way, the theory proved to hold no weight as United comfortably dealt with Schalke.
2. Manuel Neuer Is the Best Replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar
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The Dutch goalkeeper will be retiring at the end of the season, and Neuer is one of the players rumored to be a possible replacement. Based on this performance, it is fair to say he aced his tryout.
The media reports that Bayern Munich is Neuer's preferred destination, but after this performance it would not be surprising to see United make a bid to sign him.
Neuer produced a string of world class saves to keep the score at 0-0 for over an hour, and received Man of the Match Honors, a rare honor for a goalkeeper who has been beaten 2-0.
3. Ryan Giggs Defies the Laws of Aging
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Ryan Giggs has been described by some critics as "past his best" for five years or so now.
However, the Welsh wing wizard just continues to relentlessly perform in big games time and again.
When Giggs collected Wayne Rooney's pass and finished through the legs of Manuel Neuer, he overtook Filippo Inzaghi to become the Champions League's oldest goal scorer at the age of 37 years and 148 days. You would not rule out that record being extended by the time this season's tournament is through.
4. Raul Is Subject to the Laws of Aging
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Spanish legend Raul was once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the "best player in the world."
However, on Tuesday he seemed a step off the pace and was well marshaled by the central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Raul could be a threat at Old Trafford if he turns back the clock, but on the evidence of the first leg it is a long shot.
5. 'Chicharito' Is the Best Signing of the Season
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This season where we have seen Fernando Torres be signed for £50 million, and Edin Dzeko signed for £27 million, only to net one Premier League goal each
In contrast, Javier Hernandez was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for a fee reported to be around £6 million.
Hernandez has scored 18 goals so far for the Red Devils, and his lightning pace is stretching defenses and creating space for the likes of Rooney. During last summer's World Cup, Hernandez was recorded as the fastest player in the tournament.
Chicharito is also developing the habit of scoring important goals, and could have say in whether or not United are crowned European Champions this season.
6. Wayne Rooney Is Back Firing
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The long run of poor performances by star striker Wayne Rooney has come to an end. Back just over a year from now Wayne Rooney was revered as one of the form players on the planet before he suffered an ankle injury in Munich.
Rooney was reported to be out for a number of months but he appeared to be rushed back to 'health' for the World Cup. Rooney had a horrific tournament as he was outscored by Matthew Upson and snapped at England fans on camera.
With no summer of rest Rooney was played in the Community Shield and international friendlies. After Rooney was eventually sent for rest by Sir Alex Ferguson in the USA, Rooney has looked much sharper on his return.
Having appeared to regain his sharpness he is now back n the goals. Rooney scored a magnificent winner in the Manchester derby, scored the decisive goal in the quarter-final first leg at Chelsea, and also netted a hat-trick at West Ham United. The England striker also scored at Schalke, and look set to keep scoring for the remainder of the season.
7. Michael Carrick Is in Top Form
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Michael Carrick has an excellent touch on the ball and range of passing. However, his laid back demeanor and seemingly casual style of play often mean he is among the first players to be singled out for criticism.
Carrick has been excellent in the last few Champions League games, and a run of good form from him could play a part in United achieving a Premier League and Champions League double.
8. Rio Ferdinand + Nemanja Vidic = Solidity
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United's famed defensive pairing have had a lot of injuries this season, and as a result United have played many of their games with one or the other injured. With these two healthy and playing, a Schalke team that destroyed the defending European Champions Inter Milan 7-3 on aggregate looked extremely blunt.
If United can keep both of their defensive stars fit, it will have a huge impact on where the Champions League trophy ends up in May.
9. Patrice Evra Is an Attacking Wild Card
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As well as performing his defensive duties with aplomb, French left-back Patrice Evra was an excellent attacking presence for United in Germany. Evra had one good chance to score and consistently put United in 'numbers up' situations on the left flank.
If United are to make the final and face FC Barcelona, the runs of Evra could play a crucial role in keeping Dani Alves pinned back in his own half.
10. They Can Start Packing for Wembley
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While Schalke are sure to come to Old Trafford firing, a 2-0 aggregate lead with two away goals and a home game to come is an extremely commanding position for United.
they know they need to perform for another 90 minutes, but United will also know that a UEFA Champions League Final in England is within touching distance.
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