Not a great game for either side, though I think the French champions will be the happier having left behind the threat of away goals.
The 4-5-1 formation just did not do the business for most of the game, the centre lacking any kind of bite. Gibson and Carrick weren’t great. Nani made plenty of inroads down the right, but could not turn it into anything. Berba cut a frustrated figure up front with no service coming into him. United’s defence was solid, Smalling rising to the occasion brilliantly.
It was largely because of that Marseille were unable to get any sort of breakthrough. That had a hug amount of possession, especially in the first 30 mins of the second half, but failed to make any decent chances out of it. Not a bad team at all Marseille, and I doubt they’ll be playing for penalties at Old Trafford.
Not happy with the Ref either who was incredibly inconsistent, favouring Marseille on a number of 50/50 challenges and not being fair as regards to cards. You can’t penalize Evra seven tines during a match and not book him.
I think, with Ferdinand, Giggs and Anderson back for the second leg in a fortnight, United should have the talent, and the home advantage, to pull through.
Never Felt Better 