By Chris O'Brien
November 22 2005

Manchester United entertain Villarreal on Tuesday desperate for three points to keep chances of Champions League qualification alive. Sir Alex Ferguson knows only too well that his side could be eliminated from the European Cup this week.

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing for one of the biggest games of his Manchester United management as Villarreal visit Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Red Devils are in serious danger of missing out on qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League and the United boss knows that anything less than three points would be a disastrous result for the club.

"This is a crucial period for us," said Ferguson. "I am depending on our home form to get us through. I can't think of a more important game for us in Europe over the last few years. We have to win this game to ensure we qualify for the next stage."

The current group table is as follows:

		P	W	D	L	F	A	Points
1.	Villareal	4	1	3	0	2	1	6
2.	Lille	4	1	2	1	1	1	5
3.	Manchester United	4	1	2	1	2	2	5
4.	Benfica	4	1	1	2	3	4	4

Having picked up only five points from their opening four European encounters, wins for the visiting Spaniards and Lille in Benfica would eliminate United with a game to spare. This is unlikely and most are expecting United, heavy favourites with the bookies at 1/2, to get their continental campaign back on track against Villarreal, who will be without former Stretford End 'cult hero' Diego Forlan through injury.

United have picked up a timely boost following Roy Keane's shock departure with the news that Gary Neville has been ruled fit to play in this crucial clash. The right-back has been named amongst the 19-man squad for the game but is likely to start the game amongst the substitutes. John O'Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre are likely to continue at the back following Saturday's win at Charlton.

It is unlikely United will make any changes from the Valley visit. After his two-goal heroics on the weekend, Ruud Van Nistelrooy will keep the captain's armband and should start up front alongside Wayne Rooney. In midfield, Alan Smith will be eager to impress again and prove he is capable of filling the big boots of former talisman Keano.

This will be a tough game. Villarreal travel on the back of a goalless draw with Real Zaragoza on Saturday, and are fourth in the Primera Division, five points behind leaders FC Barcelona. They are a dangerous, attacking side who will not be afraid to seek maximum points at Old Trafford but they are missing the services of last season's golden boot winner Forlan.

After back-to-back wins against Chelsea and Charlton, United must prove they are still one of Europe's top teams and pick up three valuable points. With the Glazer debts, Keane's departure, the mediocre start and all the controversies - it really is time this club got back to what it does best.