Heinze out to shackle
Keita
Manchester United FC defender Gabriel Heinze has identified the
returning Kader Keita as LOSC Lille Métropole's danger man going
into the teams' return leg at Old Trafford.
Likely starter
With Patrice Evra struggling for fitness, Heinze is expected to
start at left-back on Wednesday, when he will come up against the
right-sided Ivorian attacker. The pacy, inventive Keita sat out the
first leg of this UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie
through suspension but struck twice in Lille's 4-0 weekend win over
ES Troyes Aube Champagne. "It's true that he is a good player,"
said Heinze. "He has a lot of quality and he is a crucial player
for Lille, but on our side, we will do the maximum to stop
him."
French reunion
Heinze, who spent three years in French football with Paris
Saint-Germain FC, added that he is anticipating a stern test of
United's European ambitions, despite the 1-0 advantage they earned
in France a fortnight ago. "Lille showed their quality when we went
there. They are a top quality, compact, aggressive team with young
players, and they're a difficult rival. For me, it's a difficult
match but the most important thing is what Manchester United
do."
Squad system
For the 28-year-old Argentinian international, this season has
brought his own personal battle for the left-back berth with Evra -
a place he lost when sidelined for much of last term with a
cruciate ligament injury. Despite four UEFA Champions League
appearances, he has played in only 13 of United's Premiership games
but will be raring to contribute if called upon against Lille.
"We're fighting on three fronts and we have a squad of 24, 25
players," he said. "It's important to be ready when the manager
calls on you."
