By Chris O'Brien
December 7 2005

MUFC travel to Benfica knowing a defeat will put them out of the Champions League, and three points could be the only result good enough to secure a place in the last 16. The Red Devils need a special performance on the ground that saw George Best put on perhaps the best display of his career.

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing for one of Manchester United's biggest games in recent years. The Red Devils travel to Lisbon to take on Benfica, knowing only a victory will guarantee their qualification to the Champions League knock-out stages.

United currently sit third in their European Cup group table, with just one victory and two goals from the opening five fixtures. A tight pool will be decided on the final round of matches, with all four teams still hoping to reach the last sixteen of the continental's premier cup competition.

Supporters will be keeping one eye on the group's other fixture this evening. Villarreal, current leaders, host France's surprise package Lille in a game that could prove pivotal to United's progression. A draw could be enough for United if the Spaniards are victorious, but any other result at the El Madrigal would leave United needing all three points in Portugal. Such concerns can be wiped out if United to pull off a win which would secure qualification.

When even on points, teams are separated on respective results against one another. United managed only a draw and defeat against Lille, whilst both games against Villarreal ended goalless. The current table lines-up as follows:

		P	W	D	L	F	A	Points
1.	Villarreal	5	1	4	0	2	1	7
2.	Lille Metropole	5	1	3	1	1	1	6
3.	Manchester Utd	5	1	3	1	2	2	6
4.	Benfica	5	1	2	2	3	4	5

Ferguson is expected to name Gary Neville in his starting line-up. The England international, expected to take over the long-term captaincy of the club, has been struggling with injury for some time but looks set to start in defence. He looks set to start alongside John O'Shea, also returning from the treatment room, Rio Ferdinand and Mikael Silvestre.

Ryan Giggs looks set to continue in midfield after returning from a broken cheekbone on Saturday. Ronaldo, who did not start during that 3-0 drubbing of Portsmouth, will also looking to perform in the city where his career began with Sporting Lisbon. Paul Scholes joins the wingers in midfield, but a big decision must be made on whether Alan Smith or Darren Fletcher get the nod to complete the quartet behind the formidable strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The game is United's first on the continent since the death of George Best and is fittingly against Benfica. George Best enjoyed some of the best moments of his career against the Portuguese giants. He scored twice during a glorious 5-1 demolition job at the magnificent Stadium of Light, and two years later found the net as United beat Benfica to lift the European Cup at Wembley.

This game is so important for United. Elimination from the competition at this stage could have huge implications for Ferguson and rumours have even suggested that a defeat in Lisbon could cost the Scotsman his job. Financially, the club would be set to lose up to £17million and supporters would be left increasingly frustrated with the club struggling to challenge on the domestic scene over the past few seasons.

The stage is set for another glorious night in the history of Manchester United Football Club.