Rating of the PL’s Performance in the Champions League - part 2

Manchester United - 6/10
For the Red Devils, exiting the group stage was always going to be a crucial step for the returnees in the European competition. With the likes of Martial, Rooney, and Depay all showing up front for the Red Devils; there is hope that United may be able to have a respectable showing in their first season with Louis Van Gaal in the Champions League. With a group of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, and CSKA Moscow; United would always be considered favorites to finish first in the group. Although they are on course for that finish, there is slight disappointment with how the English club dropped points against PSV and CSKA earlier in the competition. However, in the end, it is the finish in first place that counts. With their form in the league now looking favorable, United will have done a solid, if not spectacular job taking the 1st place in an average group.

Manchester City - 8/10
Having the strongest showing from the EPL clubs so far this season, there were some doubts whether or not Pellegrini’s men would deliver after falling to Juventus on the first match day. Since then, Manchester City was able to claim all nine points from Sevilla and Borussia Monchendgladbach. What many considered the group of death, having Serie A champions and CL finalists Juventus, Europa League winners Sevilla, and surprise Bundesliga package Gladbach – it was always going to be a challenge for the blue side of Manchester to overcome. Manchester City have rebounded well after losing at the Etihad on the first matchday, and are on course to finish first in their group. However, many will look to their clash against Juventus on matchday 5 to see whether they are truly able to beat the best in Europe when it matters. If they are able to, then their path to 1st place is secured - hopefully for them avoiding a date with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or Real Madrid in the Round of 16 at the same time.

Michael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
More on: www.mikesgoal.com