Job Done In France

It wasn't a Euro classic, but it may well be a springboard for Euro progression.

Roo & Gabby Embrace

As entertaining spectacles go, Wednesday's contest in the Stade Velodrome made watching paint dry seem appealing. But while many demand to see champagne football in the Champions League, sometimes you have to ditch the tricks, get your hands dirty and just avoid defeat.

In some ways, though, your opinion on the result depends on what kind of person you are. How is your glass looking at the moment? Half empty? Mostly full? I've heard a lot of opinions this season I don't agree with but the Marseille scoreline can be seen through many sets of tinted spectacles.

It's obvious both teams did their best not to concede. This called for substantial European experience from the United camp and Marseille will be delighted they didn't let in a crucial away goal. But the French side may bemoan a lack of penetration and risk-taking on their own patch when this tie draws to an end.

United's exceptional Champions League defensive record passed part one of its French test, although Marseille didn't exactly show a lot of ambition going forward. One goal conceded from seven Champions League games is an astonishing record that Sir Alex will be proud of and that many players should take credit for. But while that part of the performance pleased the Boss, he was disappointed the passing wasn't slicker and that the French onion bag didn't bulge.

He labelled it a "dangerous" scoreline, and that is the voice of experience. His fiery Euro ambition is driven by knockout memories of when United fell short. Yesterday's goalless first leg has evoked memories of past European slip-ups like Monaco, when a shot-shy stalemate was followed by an away goals exit at the Theatre of Dreams. Real Madrid also prospered in United's own back garden after a first-leg stalemate. However, the scenario now is simple: United have to beat Marseille at home. Most fans will be confident.

One player who stood out in France, and has done so regularly in recent weeks, was Chris Smalling. He has quickly made himself at home in the back four and has produced some unflappable displays. I had lunch with him on his 21st birthday and he was buzzing to be part of the United set-up and so excited about the future. He has all the attributes to be a superb defender and is level-headed to boot.

Chris can step out of defence and stroke the ball around, he's already bagged a tidy goal in the League Cup and he used to be particularly handy at judo when he was a kid, too. So we know he's capable of looking after himself in a battle. Eyebrows were raised when he joined United from Fulham but he's stood up to the test well.

There's plenty more to come from him and, you suspect, this Champions League tie. It's not "game set and match United" yet, but the ball is firmly in the Reds' court. Whatever your thoughts on last night's score, the second leg deserves your attention.