Rest - Unrest of Sir Alex Ferguson

It is always calm before a storm. And for Manchester United Football Club, a week-long storm has all but arrived this evening. Everton bring with them some harsh memories. A few too many for the Old Trafford loyalists, be it 3-3 in 2010-11, 4-4 last year, even 1-0 which kick-started the current campaign. Man United have not enjoyed a good time against the Merseysiders, and last season, they were unceremoniously robbed of their title, thanks to David Moyes and his men. On any other day, this would spell revenge for the Red Devils, but not tonight.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson would like nothing better than to exorcise the ghosts of the past, and put Everton to rest with a victory, he is but compelled to think about the underlying, dormant beasts who await his army in the capital of Spain in 3 days time. He needs his best men to fight these beasts, just as much as he needs them to fight a whirlwind tonight, sure to be stirred by Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar, Phil Jagielka and co. How then should he manage his men?

Former gunner, now United’s talisman, Robin van Persie is enjoying the run of his life, alongside Wayne Rooney- United’s Mr. Dependable. Javier Hernandez is more lethal than ever, and the slightly underused but enormously talented Danny Welbeck is but waiting in the flanks (literally!) to pounce. The potent four have bailed out United from losing positions almost every other time this season, be it in England or beyond. The infamously weak midfield has been rotated almost every game, but one man has stood constant. Michael Carrick has been the silent warrior in the middle of the park, flanked by Cleverley, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, even Giggs and Jones at times. The vulnerable-to-injury defence in the form of Vidic and Evans has been rocky, and Ferdinand’s age has shown. Fullbacks Evra and Rafael have made the positions their own.

With the next door neighbours, who happen to be the Champions, a little behind their heels now, thanks to the saints of St. Mary, United have a breather. Even if they lose to Everton, they remain 9 points ahead, which last May would prove is treacherously surmountable, definitely in 12 games. A compromise today on the side with Real Madrid on the mind would rob Sir Alex of steering 12 clear of City. However, playing a full strength side tonight stands in bad stead for him, in the fact that having played last Wednesday, Sunday, this Wednesday, and now today, his key men will be without a breather at Santiago Bernabeu. In the knock-outs of the prestigious Champions League, the fatigue will cost them and dearly!

In the defence tonight, Evans could get a warm up, alongside Ferdinand who might not be a starter at Real Madrid, due to his slow pace. Though Evra has been a workhorse, a breather never does any harm. Alex Buttner could get a game up his sleeve, at leftback , and Rafael on the right of the backline. This is but the perfect time for the legendary Ryan Giggs to play in place of Carrick. Though slow, Giggs with all his experience would do just enough to keep Fellaini at bay. Cleverley or Anderson could partner him and bolster the attack. Shinji Kagawa could come on as a halftime substitute for one of the playmakers. Ashley Young could occupy the right flank, and Nani the left, both having played relatively less recently. Hernandez and Rooney could start, which would keep Hernandez warm to be subbed in at the Bernebeu if needed. Rooney, having missed a few weeks, could get a run in upto halftime, and changed for Welbeck. RVP however would be United’s insurance policy for tonight, as he was against West Ham at Upton Park in the FA Cup tie.

Sir Alex, the master tactician of all time, has promised a few tweaks to his side tonight. It remains to be seen if his tactics are enough to scrape a win tonight and end up with a fresh, fit squad for Wednesday. A few hours will tell it all, and Roberto Mancini, and Jose Mourinho are likely to be listening hard, watching intently…