This season’s UEFA Champions League competition has provided plenty of tricky scenarios for all the British clubs involved.
The only one who has dealt with the group stages in an efficient and precise manner is Manchester United.
The Red Devils overcame a powercut and a deficit against Sporting Braga to win 3-1 in Portugal and ensure their passage into the knockout stages.
A point to prove
Not only that, they have confirmed their position as winners of Group H, meaning Sir Alex Ferguson can rest star players in the last two group matches and turn his focus solely on to maintaining their narrow Premier League advantage.
Once again, it wasn’t a performance of stunning quality but one of experience – both from good times and bad times.
The players who are wearing the badge at Old Trafford have looked hungrier and more determined this season in the Champions League.
This suggests that the shock early exit from the group stages last season hurt the squad badly and they wouldn’t provide a repeat this time around.
Ferguson made changes for this match in the Municipal Stadium, giving Chris Smalling his first start in several months after breaking a metatarsal in pre-season.
Once again, Braga caused plenty of problems and should have been leading by half-time.
Eder hit the post with a header and midfielder Ruben Micael sent a long-range blast just wide of the goal.
Shortly after the restart, the home side took a deserved lead. Jonny Evans impeded Custodio in the box and Alan stepped up to dispatch the penalty.
Sudden blackout
However Portuguese control on the game was relinquished thanks to a sudden blackout inside the stadium.
A powercut in the region led to a floodlight failure and therefore, an impromptu visit back to the changing rooms.
No doubt the fiery Scot used his famous ‘hairdryer’ approach to warn the players that if ideas didn’t improve, they’d lose the game.
Robin van Persie (pictured) was introduced into the action after the 12 minute delay and with 10 minutes left, he reached a long pass from Ryan Giggs and curled an effort over the advancing Beto to provide a fortunate equaliser.
Braga’s spirit had been crushed and the visitors went on to completely take command in the final stages.
Wayne Rooney smashed home an 85th minute penalty after being fouled and Javier Hernandez netted his third goal in two matches against this opposition, with a trademark finish in time added on.
United are through to the last 16 and can now relax until February in the Champions League but they haven’t played anywhere near their best so far.
Perhaps this is a good omen for the knockout stages.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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