From The Independent:
The Rock of Gibraltar had declared itself unassailable to the Spanish; the question now is whether the man who happens to own a racehorse of that name can inspire his football team to become such an obstacle to Spanish conquistadors. Friday's Champions' League second- phase draw in a tournament that seemingly lasts an eternity, with the winner playing at least 17 games (Liverpool competed in just eight en route to the old European Cup final), has ostensibly offered Manchester United a heaven-sent chance to qualify for the final eight.
Juventus are undergoing a resurgence, together with other Serie A clubs, in Europe. However Italian clubs are not acknowledged for their ability to claw their way out of the group phases. Only one of a possible six have reached the knock-out stage since the format changed.
So, all bodes well for United, doesn't it? As a club, of course, they are old hands on these European voyages, but despite their facile progress to this stage – defeat at Maccabi Haifa excepted – there is the suspicion that the one-time elite fleet could become becalmed. Rio Ferdinand's absence for possibly a month with a thigh injury is not what Ferguson needs to contemplate when his rearguard are becoming increasingly unconvincing as a cohesive force.
At one time, any defensive frailties were overlooked because of the prowess of their strikers and attacking midfielders, but that is no longer the case. A goal tally of 16 in Europe during the first phase gives a false impression of their potency.
As has been suggested in these columns before, Ferguson – winner last week of a racehorse Owner of the Year award because of the feats of "The Rock" – may have done nobody any favours, including himself, by doing a Dick Whittington on his decision to retire. Nobody would contend that the Scot doesn't invest as much time and commitment as ever in the club, but perception can be a destabilising force.
There is a feeling among many United followers that, given the dearth of home-nurtured players emerging, he has failed to strengthen adequately when the time demanded it. When he has speculated in the market, his investments have been debatable. It would be a brave man who would say that directly to him, of course, as one supporter did at the club's annual meeting.
Maybe, just maybe, Ferguson and United will surprise us all, domestically and in Europe, but most Fergie watchers are of the opinion that, contrary to past years when results have not always gone in his favour, he is not entirely relishing the job. United ought to advance from Group D. If they don't, and Premiership results remain as unsatisfactory, the consequences will be intriguing.