On March 15, 2011, Manchester United faced Olympique Marseille in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate win over the French side.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester United: 2 (Javier Hernández 5′, 75′)
- Olympique Marseille: 1 (Wes Brown 82′ (own goal))
- Possession:
- Manchester United had 52% possession, while Olympique Marseille had 48%. The match was relatively balanced in terms of possession, but Manchester United’s effectiveness in the final third was the key difference.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 11 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their efficiency in front of goal. Olympique Marseille had 12 shots, with 3 on target, but they struggled to find the back of the net until late in the game.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 408 passes out of 498 attempts. Olympique Marseille had a slightly lower passing accuracy of 78%, completing 359 passes out of 462 attempts. Manchester United’s ability to retain possession and circulate the ball effectively allowed them to control key moments of the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester United made 20 tackles compared to Marseille’s 17, reflecting their defensive discipline and commitment to disrupting Marseille’s play. United’s defense, led by Nemanja Vidić and Wes Brown, was largely solid, though Marseille’s late goal added some tension to the closing stages.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester United’s goals came from open play, both scored by Javier Hernández. The first goal came early in the 5th minute when Wayne Rooney played a low cross into the box, which Hernández tapped in from close range. The second goal came in the 75th minute, with Hernández once again finishing from close range after a well-worked move. Marseille’s goal came in the 82nd minute when Wes Brown inadvertently headed the ball into his own net following a Marseille corner, giving the visitors a lifeline.
- Individual Performances:
- Javier Hernández was the standout performer for Manchester United, scoring both goals and providing a constant threat in the final third. Wayne Rooney was instrumental in creating chances, particularly with his assist for the opening goal. For Marseille, André Ayew and Loïc Rémy were among the most active players, but they were unable to convert their efforts into goals.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting the wide areas. Olympique Marseille, under Didier Deschamps, used a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield and apply pressure on United’s defense. Despite Marseille’s tactical approach, United’s experience and clinical finishing proved decisive.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team. Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and Marseille’s Benoît Cheyrou were booked for tactical fouls aimed at breaking up play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 5 corners compared to Marseille’s 6, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille at Old Trafford secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Javier Hernández was the hero for United, scoring both goals and ensuring that the Red Devils advanced despite some late pressure from Marseille.
Hernández opened the scoring early in the match, setting the tone for United’s performance. Although Marseille grew into the game and pushed for an equalizer, United’s defense held firm until Wes Brown’s unfortunate own goal gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, United managed the final minutes well, preventing Marseille from finding a second goal that would have forced extra time.
The match highlighted United’s clinical edge and ability to perform under pressure in European competition. For Marseille, the defeat was disappointing, but they could take some positives from their overall performance in the tie, particularly their ability to compete against a top European side.
The result meant that Manchester United continued their pursuit of Champions League glory, advancing to the quarter-finals where they would continue to demonstrate their strength in European football under Sir Alex Ferguson.
