Manchester United risk early exit from Champions League

ENGLISH champions Manchester United are in danger of failing to make the cut for the knockout phase of the Champions League after their third draw in five matches.

United could only manage a 2-2 stalemate at home to Portuguese club Benfica, a match they should have dominated, and now face an awkward trip to Basel on December 7, a game they cannot lose if they wish to progress. A point against the Swiss side will be enough to send them through, but even if they win United will almost certainly finish second in Group C as Benfica's final match is against Romanian nonenties Otelul Galati.

Last night United recovered from the early setback of a fourth-minute Phil Jones own goal with goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher, but then another defensive blunder – this one from keeper David De Gea's poor clearance – allowed Pablo Aimar to equalise for the Portuguese side on 61 minutes. "The goals were a bit freakish  – an own goal and the bad kick out by David," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, adding: "The team deserved better. It's a cruel game at times."
 
It wasn't mean to be such a cliffhanger for United. When the draw was first announced, it was originally billed as the Group of Dearth, at least in terms of talent. United's supporters breathed easy. Qualification for the last 16 of the competition semed assured.

Last night's result means Benfica – top of the pool from United on goal difference  – are already through to the last 16 where they join Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, all of whom have qualified with a game to spare. If they do get through as group runners-up, United face the prospect of meeting one of these European powerhouses next.

"The chips are down," admitted Ferguson, who in time-honoured tradition tried to take positives from a disappointing evening. "We are in the situation of finishing second, because I am sure Benfica will win that match. It makes it a bit harder, of course. But maybe the bigger game would suit us anyway. The opportunity to play Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, you have to judge that this way."

Ferguson might be getting ahead of himself. First United must avoid defeat away in Basel (who are a point behind the Red Devils), and that's by no means guaranteed. When the two sides met at Old Trafford in September, Basel were seconds away from a stunning 3-2 victory before Ashley Young's stoppage-time equaliser.  

It will be a treat for Fleet Street’s purveyors of puns should Ferguson’s men fail. The Sun has already started, warning "United must ensure they aren't faulty in Basel or it will be all over in the Champions League". ·