Manchester United v Galatasaray key battles: RVP looking for goals, Vidic’s importance and more

Manchester United's Champions League clash with Galatasaray will be a tasty affair for the neutral, as the two sides meet for the first time in 18 years. The last time United faced Gala, they enjoyed a rousing 4-0 victory. However, it's not always been plain sailing against Turkish opposition and United have endured some embarrassing defeats in recent years. On Wednesday night they face a strong Galatasaray side, who are more than capable of springing a surprise. talkSPORT look at the key battles as the Red Devils take on their old foes...

Nemanja Vidic v Umut Bulut
Vidic's absence from the United back-line was a massive blow last season and Sir Alex Ferguson will be relieved to have his robust centre-half back for the new continental campaign. The Serb will have to be on his toes when he faces Umut Bulut on Wednesday, however. The striker, on-loan from French side Toulouse, has hit the ground running this season, bagging five goals in just four games, and is starting to form a formidable partnership with ex-Bolton hitman Johan Elmander.

Video
Here is Bulut scoring twice against Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Cup

Tom Cleverley v Selçuk Inan
Perhaps the most interesting duel of the night will be between Tom Cleverley and Selçuk Inan. Cleverley's emergence as one of United's creative outlets underlines his importances to Sir Alex Ferguson's side. His ability to create space and keep a move flowing has been used to great effect so far this season, and with the reliable Carrick partnering him in central midfield, Cleverley can be given licence to get forward and support Kagawa and Van Persie in the final third.

Selçuk Inan's impact for Galatasaray should not be underestimated however. The silky playmaker is highly acclaimed for his pin-point passing and dead-ball ability, and he was pivotal in Gala's title-winning campaign last year. With Felipe Melo offering a protective shield in front of the defence, Inan will be offered freedom under Fatih Terim to dictate the pace of attack. He will be the conduit for every Galatasaray move and, if he remains silent, they will lack bite.

Video
Selçuk Inan scoring a trademark freekick

Shinji Kagawa v Felipe Melo
Shinji Kagawa has been praised for adapting to Premier League football since his arrival at Old Trafford this summer. His intricate play high up the pitch has yielded a handful of goal-scoring opportunities and neutrals should expect to see more of this as the season unfolds. His experience in the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund last year is evidence of his ability to mix it with Europe's best, and given United's favourable group draw, expect to see him turning it on this season.

Attempting to stop the Japanese from playing will be Felipe Melo, who is on a second loan spell with Galatasaray. The tough-tackling Brazilian will be tasked with protecting his back-four and silencing Kagawa, while the defence focus on Van Persie. Melo adds steel to a very attacking Galatasaray side, and can also chip in with goal, having bagged 12 last season.

Robin Van Persie v Cris
Robin van Persie's desire for silverware has been given a massive boost following Manchester United's favourable draw in the Champions League, and the Dutchman will be hoping to kick-off the new campaign with goals against Galatasaray. Van Persie's impressive form since joining United has seen him grab four goals in as many games, and his 18 goals in 47 Champions League fixtures shows that he can score at the highest club level

Trying to stop Van Persie adding to that tally will be summer signing Cris, who joined Galatasaray after eight years with Lyon. Despite being 35 years old, Cris is vastly experienced at European level, and will organise an impressive looking Gala defence which is likely to include exciting, young defender Semih Kaya. However, Galatasaray's defence is far from water-tight, having shipped six goals in their opening four league fixtures.

Video
Robin van Persie scoring a penalty to inspire Arsenal to a 3-0 victory against AC Milan last season

Will Manchester United enjoy a better run in the Champions League this season, or could they slip up again? Have your say and comment below...