UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Ferguson targets final glory

uefa.com's final UEFA Champions League mid-term report examines the 1999 winners Manchester United FC.

Story so far 
Manchester United's 2002/03 campaign got off to the worst possible start when they conceded an early goal to surprise package Maccabi Haifa FC in their first game, but a quick equaliser from Ryan Giggs spurred Sir Alex Ferguson's men to a 5-2 victory and they have not looked back since. Home and away wins over Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who had eliminated United at the semi-final stage last term, confirmed their renaissance and, a shock 3-0 defeat by Haifa apart, United marched through the first group stage in confident fashion.

The second group stage also began badly with the loss of a first-minute goal away to FC Basel, but two goals from Ruud van Nistelrooij and another from Ole Gunnar Solksjær in the space of six second-half minutes turned the game on its head. They followed that up with a comfortable 2-0 victory against RC Deportivo La Coruña. Domestically, United have hauled themselves back into contention for the English Premiership title, securing a crucial 2-1 away success at Liverpool FC before defeating champions Arsenal FC at Old Trafford.

Strengths 
Despite a number of injuries to key players, United's Champions League progress has been serene and, with their absent stars set to return in the new year, the team will look even more formidable. The biggest loss has been inspirational captain Roy Keane, who has not appeared in the competition since hip surgery in September. However, in his absence, Juan Sebastián Verón has flourished in central midfield, particularly in Europe, while Van Nistelrooij has been in ruthless form up front.

Weaknesses 
United's defence has appeared shaky at times, with Ferguson unable to name a settled side because of injuries. Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Laurent Blanc, Gary Neville, Mikaël Silvestre and Rio Ferdinand have all been tried out in the centre yet when all his players are back, one suspects the future lies with Brown and Ferdinand, with Silvestre and Gary Neville on the flanks. That is not to discount the talented Irish international O'Shea, who has been a revelation. Up front, United look a striker short after selling Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, with Ole Gunnar Solksjær and Diego Forlán the only out-and-out forwards besides Van Nistelrooij.

Key man - Ruud van Nistelrooij 
Dutch striker Van Nistelrooij has already equalled United's scoring record in the competition, notching 18 goals in 19 appearances. He registered away goals in Leverkusen and Basel to provide the impetus United needed to go on and win those matches, and then struck twice against Deportivo at Old Trafford.

Best moment so far 
Van Nistelrooij's second goal in Basel, 60 seconds after his first had brought his side back into the game against the run of play. He cut in from the left, dribbled into the penalty area leaving defenders in his wake and shot into the corner of the net from a seemingly impossible angle.