Steve McManaman believes that Manchester United have the edge over Real Madrid heading into tonight and that they will be defensive.
The Red Devils head into Tuesday’s Champions League Last 16 second leg with the advantage of an away goal from the first leg 1-1 draw.
For McManaman, this and their home advantage mean that they start as favourites and perhaps with a different playing mentality to that expected.
“Manchester United are favourites because they are at home, but Madrid are in good shape, playing well, and come into this with a lot of confidence,” commented the Englishman, who spent four years at the Santiago Bernabeu, to Cadena Cope.
“But, United won this weekend 4-0 against Norwich. I’m sure Madrid will score a goal.
“I expect United to play on the counter-attack. Madrid against Barcelona were very impressive, they won 3-1, so I believe that the British will opt for a more defensive game.
“It is also not entirely relevant that Madrid go into this having beaten Barca. Ferguson’s team are physically strong and although Barcelona have the best starting XI, the squad at Manchester United is stronger.
“The game is going to be very exciting. The Coach has a lot of confidence, it is at a great stadium for a team like Madrid and they will have a lot of the ball.”
