Manchester United vs Galatasaray preview - Defence key for Ferguson

Posted Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by PA

Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledges a settled defence will be crucial for Manchester United in Europe this season.

The memories of last year's embarrassing group stage exit were fresh enough for Ferguson to leave Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa out of his starting line-up for the weekend win over Wigan.

Both should be involved against Galatasaray at Old Trafford, providing the firepower needed to shoot United to an expected victory in the opening game of their latest Champions League quest.

However, it is at the back Ferguson knows his side must improve.

Rarely have United been able to field a regular defence during a three-season period of group stage matches on home soil that has secured a paltry total of three wins.

Already this term, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been ruled out for extended periods, forcing Michael Carrick into service as an emergency central defender.

Even allowing for Rio Ferdinand missing the odd game, such measures should not be required again now that Jonny Evans has recovered from an ankle injury.

But Ferguson realises the position is precarious - and of huge significance.

"At the moment with Smalling and Jones long-term, I'm left with three centre-backs, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evans," said the United boss.

"If I was guaranteed two of those being fit for the rest of the season I'd take that gladly right now.

"It's not been the case in the last two or three years, when we have had a really rough ride.

"I've had to alternate centre-backs. Go back two years ago and we had Carrick, (Darren) Fletcher and (Patrice) Evra there.

"That's a key issue. I can't hide that. I just hope I get a bit of luck in that respect."

Ferguson confirmed Kagawa is fit to make his European bow after shrugging off a back complaint he picked up on international duty with Japan.

The summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund has quickly struck up an impressive partnership with Van Persie, although even with Wayne Rooney sidelined, Ferguson does have alternatives in attack, in stark contrast to his defensive woes.

Javier Hernandez is one. Due to a series of setbacks, the Mexican struggled to emulate his stellar debut season last term.

However, after being given an extended summer break by Ferguson, who told Hernandez he could not link up with his country's gold medal-winning Olympic squad as had been anticipated prior to London 2012, the 24-year-old is refreshed and ready to play a full part in United's quest for silverware.

"I don't like comparisons," Hernandez said.

"Some people thought my first season was very good, others felt it was OK. The last one was bad for some people, others thought it was OK or good.

"I enjoyed my break. Only time will decide whether it helps me but I am happy. I am enjoying myself.

"I still feel I am the luckiest player in the world to be at this club.

"I will be ready when the boss needs me, whether that is to start or be a substitute.

"I am focused on the most important thing, which is Wednesday's game."

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim wants to collect a unique Turkish delight at Old Trafford.

Rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas have both beaten Manchester United away from home in European combat.

Now Terim wants his beloved Galatasaray to complete the hat-trick.

"They are our big rivals but I remember Fener and Besiktas both did a fantastic job," he said.

"We have drawn at Old Trafford in the past, but now we hope to follow them. We want to achieve something exactly as our rivals did."

Galatasaray will have a few familiar faces helping them too.

Johan Elmander, Emmanuel Eboue, Milan Baros and Albert Riera are all well known to Premier League supporters.

It means a quartet of Terim's squad will be familiar with such a grand stage, unlike so many of Galatasaray's travelling party.

Indeed, Terim wonders whether a team making their return to the competition after a four-year absence would have been better meeting one of the lesser lights.

"It would have been better to play against Cluj or Braga," he said.

"Then we could have gained more experience.

"Instead we have to play against one of the best sides in the world immediately."

For that is how Terim still regards United, even though Sir Alex Ferguson's men were unceremoniously dumped out at the group stage of last season's competition.

"Manchester United have been so successful in the Champions League for many years," he said.

"I was there when they beat Bayern Munich in the final and they have won many more important games apart from that.

"What happened last season was a surprise but maybe it will just make them even more motivated."