Blog: A tactical tightrope

The boss cut a contemplative figure during yesterday's press conference, musing aloud as how best to negotiate a route to Rome as the Reds contest a first two-legged European tie with English opposition since the 1960s.


"It’s an untypical semi-final because it’s two English teams," Sir Alex told the world's media. "But the principles are the same. You hope you win your home game and don’t lose a goal. That’s always the case."


Sounds like caution will prevail then. Or does it? He also admitted his side's barnstorming second-half display against Tottenham had been playing on his mind, and added: "I have plenty of options. I’ll wrestle with those in the next 24 hours."


It's an intriguing dilemma. When United's rivalry with Arsenal was at its peak, the way to overcome the Gunners was to get about them and, in the words of Darren Fletcher: "see if they fancy it." It was certainly an approach that worked in last season's FA Cup mauling, and you have to wonder how much pounding a patched-up Gunners defence could withstand, especially in such a high-pressure game.


But it's in these massive games that there's no room for error, so there has to be a huge amount of discipline and concentration. Against an Arsenal team who are virtual strangers to defeatthis season, United will undoubtedly be asked questions over both legs.


And that's a huge issue - the looming re-match in six days' time. United will be confident of going to the Emirates, having created enough chances in their three visits to have won each game comfortably. That they haven't suggests that maybe some luck is overdue.


But the very presence of a second leg means the temptation will be there for both managers to keep cards tight to chests and let next week's encounter decide the tie.


However, if Arsenal come out all guns blazing and snatch one or two away goals, then United will have a mountain to climb. Conversely, the Reds could conceivably put the tie to bed tonight if last Saturday's passion and form - from players and fans alike - can be reprised.


It really is a case of who blinks first.