Preview: Man United vs Ajax

Man United v/s Ajax
Old Trafford
K.O: 20:05 GMT


Hello Once again!
Its Europa League night! The chants of ITV 5 at Stretford End are no longer heard; well not because Liverpool aren't there- but the City of Manchester has been struck with the Europa League fever. No more Champions League football for Manchester this season. 
The 'noisy neighbours' had their game yesterday and sliced open Porto to advance to the round of 16; City this year have been a massive threat. Anyways; all eyes today turn to OT where Manchester United host Ajax for the 2nd Leg of Europa League. Man United go to this tie with a 2 away goal advantage, hence; they being favourites tonight!


The Dutch have been a power house in football; producing stars such as Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Edwin Van Der Sar, Wesley Sneijder, Van Bommel, Kluivert, Van Der Vaart, Frank De Boer and the list goes on and on. As for Ajax- they have been a threat in the past and have just lost the edge in Europe. They however are the Dutch Eredevisie Champions. They have been overlooked many a times given the crisis they have been going through in terms on Management. Martin Jol(Current Fulham Manager) left the job after Ajax sold Luis Suarez to Liverpool. Frank De Boer has now taken over and has been doing a decent job at the club.


Previous Meeting:
It was a dull affair at the Amsterdam arena with both teams not showing the urgency to score; however; the second half was impressive. The fans were amazing at the Amsterdam arena- the stadium was rocking. SAF was disappointed by his sides performance and urged them to improve whilst De Boer was impressed by the pressure his side applied in the first half but admitted his side lacked the strength to compete with United.


Form Guide: 
Man United (Last Five Games EPL)- W W W D W
Ajax (Last Five Games Eredivise)- D L L W W


Man United have not played a game since their last week encounter with Ajax; whilst Ajax come to this game having played a league game on Sunday where they won 4-2. 


Manager Views:
Sir Alex Ferguson has shown to take the Europa League seriously after putting a strong line up in the first leg. The Europa League is the only trophy SAF was yet to participate and win. 
Frank De Boer meanwhile insisted that they are going for a win and smiled after saying: "We going for a 0-3 win! Am serious!" 



Team News:
Man United Manager SAF has hinted that Tom Cleverley may feature a full game whilst he also looks forward to give the young players some game time. Anderson meanwhile has started training with the first team whilst Patrice Evra may return to action after been rested for the last game for what Fergie defined as an "emotional week". Ryan Giggs may make his 900th appearance for Man United tonight whilst out of favour Dimitar Berbatov may be included in the squad. Ajax meanwhile welcome defender Andre Ooijer (Ex Blackburn) and may give a run out to 19 year old David Klaassen who has been included in the squad that travelled to Manchester.



Ryan Giggs is set to make his 900th appearance for Man United


Absentees:


Man United:
Wayne Rooney- Throat Infection
Antonio Valencia- Hamstring
Vidic- Knee Injury


Ajax:
Nicolai Boilesen
Dmitry Bulykin
Theo Janssen
Gregory van der Wiel
Eyong Enoh


Man to Watch:
M. Sulejmani has been the top goal scored for Ajax having bagged 11 goals this season. He proved to be a constant threat in the first leg as he pulled the strings. C. Eriksen has been labelled by SAF as a good midfield player and United have been constantly linked with him as their target for the summer transfer window. He could make a difference to the game as well.
On United's side- Ashley Young had a great game at the Amsterdam arena last week and managed to score his first goal for the year 2012. If he gets a start today- he could play a vital role in covering the absence of Valencia who has been sidelined for 4 weeks.


My Line Up:
I fancy Paul Pogba to get some game time; he is an exceptional talent. However; he is yet to get enough game time to show what he is capable of at a higher stage.


Man United:
De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Young, Cleverley, Carrick, Nani, Welbeck and Hernandes.


Ajax:
Vermeer Koppers, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Eriksen, Ooijer, De Jong, Sulejmani, Bulykin, Lodeiro


Prediction:
I fancy a 3-1 to United; Welbeck, Hernandez and Giggs on the score sheet while Sulejmani may pull a consolation for Ajax.


Special Guest:
Luis Suarez as he plans to attend tonight's match at Old Trafford!
I hope Evra doesn't see him or else he will go wild with his celebrations should United win!

Cheerio!

Mj Kassam