Tonight’s game in Munich could be interesting.
Sir Alex rested Rooney and Rio Ferdinand against Bolton and United eventually won the game 4-0.
What’s been less widely reported is that he also rested Park, who will play just behind Rooney.
Guus Hiddink took Park from South Korea to PSV Eindhoven and sometimes used the little warrior in that role because he had nobody else to play there. Park and PSV showed heir talent in a two terrific games semi-finals against AC Milan, which they were very unlucky to lose.
Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal talked yesterday about “level one” teams. He thinks United are a level one team but said Bayern can play at level one for one night.
We know roughly what the United side will be but we know less about the Bayern side, or their fitness. Some now say Ribery is over-rated but he’s fiery, skilful and fast and might give United a few problems.
Van Bommel is a hatchet-man with a fierce shot.
Tymoshchuk may partner the Dutch bruiser in central midfield. The Ukrainian is a big anchorman who reads the game very well.
Long-haired Argentinian Demichelis is at cenreback with the giant Van Buyten. One of my pet theories is that Demichelis is a midfield player who is good in the air, not a centre half who is good in the air. That theory may be disproved tonight.
If Arjen Robben is fit he will be up against Patrice Evra, the most rugged and dynamic full back in football today. Remarkably, Evra has started all 32 of United’s league games.
Darren Fletcher has become their main midfielder.
When I say that, I scratch my head as I say it. But it’s true. Fletcher is important. When he’s not there, it’s a shambles.
I actually think Sir Alex has had a better season than Manchester United.
He’s revived Nani, refashioned his defence almost every week, bedded in Valencia to help turn Rooney into a goal-machine, made canny use of the veteran Ryan Giggs, and of course, played Ji-sung Park in most of the really big games.
Park and Rooney can hurt Bayern.
Be surprised if Man United lose tonight. Very surprised.