Sharpe not expecting dull United-Real affair
Former England international Lee Sharpe is looking forward to the tactical battle between Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho.
By FOX Sports Staff
The former United favourite predicts there will be goals in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg at Old Trafford as both teams are proven masters at counter-attacking football.
With the tie evenly poised at 1-1 from the first leg at the Bernabeu, a goalless draw would allow United to progress on the away goals rule. Madrid are unlikely to adopt a defensive strategy on Tuesday despite playing away from home.
"The thing is both Real and United are counter-attacking teams," Sharpe told MUTV.
"If we can let them have the ball a little bit, and they play in our half, then we can hit them on the break.
"They will try to do the same to us and, with us being at home, we may have to come out a little bit. It's going to be an interesting game and there will definitely be goals.
He added: "It couldn't have gone much better for us in the first leg - to get the away goal and come away with a draw."
"We rode our luck defensively at times but that's always going to be the case playing against one of the top teams in Europe.
"It leaves it wide open for Tuesday but Real Madrid are really impressive going forward. Our defenders and defensive midfielders, whoever plays on the night, have to be on top form to keep them out. I think both teams will score as we're going to have to do well to keep them out."
Meanwhile, Sharpe's former team-mate Ryan Giggs is expected to make his 1000th senior appearance in football against Real Madrid.