Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Manchester United vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen head to Old Trafford on Tuesday with every chance of picking up a result in David Moyes's first European venture since taking over the reins at Manchester United.
The Red Devils head into Tuesday's encounter against the Germans ready to compete at the business end of the Champions League for an 18th successive season, with their sights set on a fourth title, but, although it is business as usual for the Premier League champions, the match represents new territory for their new manager.
The Scot faces a dilemma over the fitness of Wayne Rooney after the England striker played the full 90 minutes of United's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday wearing a special headband to protect a head wound that ruled him out of international duty.
Meanwhile, in the opposing dugout on Tuesday will be a fellow rookie in the competition in the shape of Sami Hyypia, a former player with United's Premier League rivals, Liverpool, and a winner of this trophy as a player with the Anfield club back in 2005.
Leverkusen make the journey to Old Trafford having never won in the country after two draws and six losses on English soil.
While United only added Marouane Fellaini to their first-team squad as the transfer window slammed shut, Leverkusen made no fewer than 10 additions to the group available to Hyypia, while a further 13 players departed during a busy close-season.
Their new-look squad appear to have gelled well as they sit in third place in the Bundesliga after five matches, with Hyypia once again likely to look to in-form duo Sidney Sam and Stefan Kiessling to lead their charge, with both having scored four times already this campaign - including in Saturday's 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.
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