After crashing out of Europe’s most prestigious club futbol tournament, Manchester United will be eager to put the devastation of going out to Real Madrid behind them. That all started in Monaco, where the UEFA Champions League draw was held Thursday. Manchester United are in a group with Bayern Leverkusen, Shaktar Donetsk, and Real Sociedad.
It will be interesting to see how David Moyes navigates his way through his first European campaign with the champions of England.
Especially since a lot of his naysayers said prior to his arrival at Old Trafford that he didn’t have enough experience at the top level of Europe. Not only that, but all the so called big clubs have strengthened during the summer transfer window. Just this week Manchester United increased their bid for both Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini for a combined 36 million which Everton rejected.
If this move is to go through, it seems as if the pair will have to force their way out of the Merseyside club. Moyes also put in a bid for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera for 26 million and Roma’s midfield maestro Daniele De Rossi for a derisory 12 million.
It’s getting down to the end. Moyes only has til Monday to get these deals done before the window closes.
And of course, there’s always the issue of Wayne Rooney (and what will become of him)
Bayern Leverkusen– A very consistent team that possess a lot of height and power. Beaten finalists back in 2002 to Real Madrid at Hamden Park in Scotland. At forward they still have Stefan Kiessling who last year in 34 games scored 26 times. A key loss to the club would be of course Andre Schurrle who moved on to Chelsea. They will miss his creativity, pace, and goals. Going to the Bay Arena for United will not be a easy task. The Germans have won 8 straight Bundesliga games dating back to last season.
United has a new home in the Spanish speaking media.
Real Sociedad- This Spanish side did very well to progress to the group stages, handling Lyon both home and away. After what happened to United against Athletic Bilbao two years ago you can be sure that United will not be taking them lightly. Carlos Vela will be a familiar face to United. The former Arsenal forward has thrived at the club, getting a regular chance to start games. His well taken goals were a key reason why Sociedad have made it this far in the competition. With all these positives the loss of star midfielder Assier Illarramendi to Real Madrid will be a huge blow.
Shakhtar Donetsk- The Ukranian champion won 3 trophies domestically last year. They are the usual hot pick of European pundits as a sleeper to slip under the radar and advance farther than many would think. They will have to overcome the key losses of the club lost its star player and top scorer 25 goals in Henrikh Mkhitaryan to German super club Borussia Dortmund as well as Fernandinho to Manchester City for 30 million. Manager Mircea Lucescu did well in the transfer window buying Brazilian striker Fred and attacking midfielder Bernard. This team could threaten Manchester United on the counter attack, so Michael Carrick and the United defense must be wary of that.