Manchester United vs. Real Madrid: 5 Key Battles to Watch

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Manchester United host Real Madrid on Tuesday in what promises to be a memorable UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match.
Real Madrid recently won back-to-back Clasicos against Barcelona, but now, another potential classic awaits at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United held Real to a 1-1 draw three weeks ago at the Bernabeu, so Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid will have to attack to stay alive.
That means some of the most important matchups in Tuesday's game will involve Real Madrid attackers against Manchester United defenders. But they're not the only ones.
Keep reading for five matchups to watch in this second-leg showdown.

Sir Alex Ferguson vs. Jose Mourinho

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho developed a fierce rivalry during Mourinho's time at Chelsea. Now friends, the two haven't become any less competitive, and both still rank among the world's best.
Ferguson's United seized the advantage after holding Real to a 1-1 draw three weeks ago at the Bernabeu. The first-leg result means that Real will have to attack United at Old Trafford. That should make for some interesting tactical decisions for both.
Which esteemed manager will win the tactical battle? Can one outsmart the other?
The touchline battle will be almost as interesting as the action on the pitch.

 

Michael Carrick vs. Mesut Ozil

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie and other goal scorers grab most of the headlines. The midfield, however, should play host to an intriguing chess match as well.
German international Mesut Ozil usually serves as Real Madrid's central playmaker, tucked in behind a lone forward (either Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain). Unless manager Jose Mourinho goes crazy and picks Kaká or Luka Modric to start the match, Ozil should take up his customary role at Old Trafford.
His chief foe in the midfield could be United's Michael Carrick, who lies a bit deeper in United's midfield but also plays a major role in piecing things together for his team.
Ozil has perhaps more international prestige, but Carrick's contributions have been vital to United this season. Their head-to-head matchup could be pivotal.

 

 

Angel Di Maria vs. Manchester United's Full-Backs

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Angel Di Maria, a 25-year-old Argentine international, usually lines up on the right side of Real Madrid's three-man attacking midfield. But he's by no means limited to one side of the pitch.
In the first leg three weeks ago, Di Maria delivered the cross that Cristiano Ronaldo towered high to head home. The cross came from near the left touchline, where Ronaldo usually starts a match.
Di Maria and Ronaldo can be on any side of the field at any time. Ronaldo will obviously draw much attention, but Di Maria's crosses, quickness and penetration can be dangerous to any defense.
When he stays on the right side, he likely will match up with Manchester United's Patrice Evra. On the left, he will likely face Rafael.
If Di Maria is playing well, both will have a handful. If both perform well, Real Madrid will lack a potentially game-altering offensive option.