United limping across Europe

07 December 2009 10:51
UNITED'S defensive crisis could present coveted Wolfsburg hitman Edin Dzeko with a golden chance to further impress potential buyer Sir Alex Ferguson. The Reds travelled to Germany on Monday for the final Group B game against the Bundesliga champions needing a point to win the section. The Germans need to match CSKA Moscow's result in Istanbul against Besiktas to join United in the knockout stages. And Bosnian striker Dzeko will lead Wolfsburg's bid for the last 16 knowing all eyes will be on him. The 23-year-old is on the radar of a number of top European outfits with AC Milan currently in pole position to land him at some stage. But Reds' assistant boss Mike Phelan has revealed United are among the admirers of the £20m-rated goalscorer. "I'm sure there are numerous clubs looking at him. Are we one of them? We are looking at talent all the time and we are in there with the rest of them," said Phelan. "He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skilful boy and in some ways an ideal player for the English league. "He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some very good performances. "I am sure everybody has looked at him. I don't think it is a surprise what he has done." Dzeko power Dzeko proved his power and skill back at Old Trafford last September when he scored for Wolfsburg in the 2-1 defeat by United. Then his aerial danger and footwork were a tough act for Fergie's first choice of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to handle. However, in Wolfsburg he will be up against one of the most makeshift backlines Fergie has ever put out. United's defensive problems have mounted up. Rio Ferdinand has missed the last nine matches with his calf and back trouble. He is pencilled in for a return before Christmas but that is only a tentative arrangement. John O'Shea's dead leg suffered playing for the Republic of Ireland has not improved and he's been absent for the Reds' last five games. Jonny Evans has ankle problems and has played only one in the last five matches. Gary Neville added to the crisis when he pulled up with a groin injury at West Ham after only half an hour and faces a three-week lay-off. Wes Brown also came off early at Upton Park protecting a slight hamstring problem and he is unlikely to be risked in Germany. Vidic out Nemanja Vidic missed the victory over the Hammers because of flu and will not make the trip. It leaves midfielder Michael Carrick, who answered the SOS in London, set to be named in the heart of the defence. The growing problems at full-back problems could also rule out Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio stepping in and Ritchie de Laet stands by for his first European experience. "Losing the defenders we are doing at the moment is becoming a bit of a headache for us," said Fergie. He added: "Michael steps in on Saturday and he did very very well and I am very pleased. "The reason we put Michael at sub was in the event of anything happening in the back four because he has the height and composure and pace and experience to play there. "There was the option to play Ritchie de Laet but away from home at West Ham is difficult and I felt the experienced player was important. "I would have liked to play Carrick in midfield from the start because he is in good form now but we erred on the side of caution and I am glad I did." How long will United's patched up defence hold firm? Have your say.

Source: Manchester_EveningNews