Manchester United Invade Gillette Stadium: Match Preview

This Wednesday night, the New England Revolution ( 3-8-7, 16 points) face one of the best clubs in the world in a friendly match. Manchester United start their pre-season tour of the United States against the Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The match takes place at 8:00 PM EST. The game will be shown on ESPN 2, and also can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

This is a rare and monumental challenge ahead for the Revs in this game. It might be a friendly, however I am sure Revs head coach Stephen Nicol would like an upset victory against the English Premier League Champions.

It has been a disappointing season for New England. This could be a match that the players could use to test themselves, and get them ready to attack the rest of the MLS season.

Manchester United’s season ended in the Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium in London England, on May 28 losing to Barcelona 3-1. However, they are the defending English Premier League champions. This is their first match since losing at Wembley Stadium.

When you think of Manchester United, you have to start with their manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Under his leadership, Manchester United have won the Premier League title an astonishing 12 times. They have also won the Champions League title twice. He has had an incredible career at Manchester United that is not over yet.

The Revs do have injury concerns for this match. According to Revolutionsoccer.net here are the injuries for the club.

Probable: Kevin Alston (Hamstring tightness), Andrew Sousa (wrist surgery),  Ousmane Dabo (quadriceps strain)

Questionable:  Ryan Cochrane (foot sprain)

Out: Kheli Dube (whiplash)

Key players to watch for the Revs are A J Soares and Ryan Cochrane. These two central defenders will be under constant pressure from the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney. If the Revs expect to make this a match, the Revs defenders will have to figure out a way to contain the attack of Manchester United.

Key players to watch for Manchester United include Wayne Rooney, Nani, and Rio Ferdinand. Rooney is one of the best strikers in the world. He only scored 16 goals in all competitions last season which was his lowest since joining Manchester United. The season before, Rooney scored 34 goals.

Nani is a top winger and will cause havoc for the Revs defense as well. Last season he scored 10 goals. However, his speed and passing ability to the strikers up front make him an incredibly dangerous player.

Rio Ferdinand is still one of the best central defenders in the world at 32 years old. He will make it very difficult for Revs striker, Rajko Lekic to get shots on goal.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Revs to play against some of the best players in the world. The question will be how will they play, and can they win?

Unfortunately, I don’t expect the Revs to be able to beat Manchester United. In fact, I am hoping the Revs can make it a game, and keep the score close.

In the end, Manchester United have way too much firepower for the Revs to slow down. I am predicting a 4-0 loss for the Revs against Manchester United.

You can follow me on twitter @Russ_Goldman