Quote:
Originally Posted by ukhotstove
As long as the referee realises that this isn't a European game but a British game then you should be able to see how football is played, hard tackling and passion.
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I seriously doubt you’ll see that sort of game regardless of the official. It is the last thing United will want in what is for them an all but meaningless match days ahead of a huge EPL game against Chelsea. The equation is simple for United; a draw at home to Benfica will put them through regardless of other results, and they will qualify tomorrow even with a defeat if Benfica and Copenhagen draw.
Celtic is a tough place to go and get a positive result in Europe, and a traditional battle of Britain inevitably results in lots of cards and a high injury risk. Why take the risk when they might well already have qualification secured? Why pick a fight they might not win when should they require the final point they have a home fixture against notoriously poor travellers in which to pick it up?
The only way I can see United taking part in a traditional British match is if they play the reserves. If the first team or fringe players are playing everyone will have one eye on Chelsea and I’d expect them to try and slow it right down and take the sting out the game, in all likelihood paying more attention to the clean sheet that will see them through. Celtic have to win so United can just keep a solid shape, invite Celtic onto them and hit them on the break.