After the historic season of coming seventh, United have managed to claw their way back to where they ought to be. They are under no circumstances expected to come anywhere close to a semi-final, but it's a chance to at least see where they stand against the elite, and see how they need to improve to emulate the Fergie sides that won the big one twice. It begins against the Dutch champs, PSV, and so is the way of modern football, their best player will now be facing them. Enter the Memphis Tennessee.
I could care less what anyone says, he may be young, but Memphis is Man United's best player. He is the only one on the team who has the skill, quality and confidence to take players on and really cause a rawkus for teams. The same cannot be said of any of the others, apart from Martial who may also join this very exclusive club with his great solo goal against Liverpool. It would help if United had more of these players but with what they have and what PSV have lost, United SHOULD start this with a win...but I can't put any certainty on it. It's the same United team that lost to Swansea and couldn't do anything against Tottenham. You just can't call it with these guys.
In a an ideal world, PSV would have the players that won them the league and would be able to be a dark horse in this competition. I would have liked to have seen them keep the same team from last season, and if that had happened, then I would give the edge to PSV in this game. With their losses, I still think it will be a close game. United have not really kicked into top gear so far this season. They have won matches but without actually playing well and dominating an entire match. For PSV, I think if they just keep to their football and don't make any early defensive mistakes, they can win this match. It's really not beyond them, but the one advantage that United will have is Van Gaal. Apart from being a damn good tactician, despite what the haters say, he is Dutch and so he knows the essence of PSV's kind of football.
I'm assuming to see this be a very passing game. United trying to keep the ball and bide their time till the opening comes, and PSV doing the same. Champions League matches are a lot more strategic and tactical than the rough and tumble of the Premiership. Whether it will suit Van Gaal's United is yet to be seen. It's not the easiest group for them, and this won't be a simple match. If they bring their Swansea performance or the first half display against Liverpool, they will get beat...simple as that. PSV are a good team, and will put a much sterner test than Liverpool did.
