Can Manchester United win the Champions League?

Last season, Manchester United, the runners up of the 2010-2011 EPL season, astonishingly went out of the Champions League at the group stage, something which has happened just three times during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. Manchester United had a relatively easy group but still failed to progress. It was quite shocking for a club of the stature of Manchester United.

However, this season, Manchester United have not only progressed through the group stages, but also achieved a vital draw against the mighty Real Madrid (at the Santiago Bernabeu) along with a precious away goal. The purchase of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal has made the Manchester United attack one of the deadliest in Europe. The current quartet of strikers- Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Welbeck has been compared to the strike-force of the 1998-1999 treble winning team. Sir Alex Ferguson and the players seem determined to avenge the humiliation received last season.

Now, let’s analyse the form of the players so far this season.

In Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, Man Utd have two deadly strikers who are among the best in the world. In Chicharito, they have a “super-sub”, a player who can come in the dying minutes of the game and still score. Danny Welbeck is also a good striker and a future prospect. The return of the captain Nemanja Vidic has provided a great boost to the United defence. Vidic is one of the best defenders in the world and his return after 8 months has been just like a new signing. Evans’ form has been superb and Rafael has been nothing less than a revelation. Although Rafael appeared shaky in the first half against Real Madrid, he did improve considerably in the second. Michael Carrick is going through his best season in terms of performances. De Gea has been making stunning saves and has silenced his critics after his match-winning performance against Real Madrid.

Now a look at the flops so far. Antonio Valencia, the star performer of last season, has hardly shown his the performances which won him the Man United player of the season award. Nani has spent most of his time on the bench and has under-performed in the chances he has gotten. He looks set to be sold in the summer.

When Man Utd were drawn against Real Madrid in the last 16 round, many said that the Red Devils will be knocked out by the La Liga champions. But Man Utd achieved a vital draw at the Santiago Bernabeu along with a precious away goal, which has given them an upper hand. The performance of Man Utd was not the best in that match, but they showed their grit and determination.

If Manchester United can keep up with their current performances, there is no reason why they can’t win the competition.