THE ZERO HEROES
Jig recalls squaring up to United’s superstars as Walter went eight at the back to blank them
IT was sold as a Battle of Britain but it’s probably better remembered as the Siege of Stretford.
Lee McCulloch and his Rangers side did well to escape unharmed from Old Trafford back in 2010 on a night when the gulf between Scotland’s top clubs and their English counterparts was clear, maybe not by the scoreline but certainly by the managers’ respective tactics.
While Sir Alex Ferguson felt comfortable enough sending out a second-string line-up for Manchester United’s Champions League opener, old friend Walter Smith was forced into the footballing equivalent of circling the wagons.
McCulloch looked back on that night and joked his late, great gaffer had shaped his team up to play with eight at the back – but he wasn’t far off the truth!
Smith’s stubborn set-up at the Theatre of Dreams sent the Scottish champions to bed that night with a cherished point after a drab 0-0 draw. They didn’t exactly come out all guns blazing in the return clash back in Glasgow but United did finally find the room to grab a winner with a Wayne Rooney penalty.
As he helped announce a pre-season friendly between the clubs, McCulloch said: “The Battle of Britain’ – that’s how it was built up.
“But football had changed financially, especially in England with the backing they had from sponsors and TV.
“Back then in 1992 it was more of a level playing field. But even in 2010 it wasn’t level. When it’s labelled the Battle of Britain there’s a wee bit of extra pressure on you. I thought we came out of the two ties pretty well.
“I remember Sir Alex coming into the dressing room after the game and saying well done to everybody individually. In the tunnel he was shaking your hand. It’s special moments like that I will never forget.
“It was 0-0 at Old Trafford. They had Ryan Giggs, Rooney – Walter went eight at the back!
“I played centre mid, directly against Darren Fletcher. The atmosphere was unbelievable.
We did well to get a point. The atmosphere at Ibrox in the return leg was bouncing too.
“Rooney scored a penalty with 15 minutes to go but we had our chances. It’s great to look back on, a great experience.
“Paul Scholes is probably one of the best I’ve ever played against. Rio Ferdinand as well.
“This game coming up is a chance for the fans to see the quality of both teams.
“There’s no doubt it will be sold out. What an atmosphere there will be.”
Rangers fought hard for their draw at Old Trafford 13 and a
half years ago but the game wasn’t without its casualties.
Antonio Valencia suffered a leg-break following a challenge from Kirk Broadfoot.
There will be nothing but bragging rights on the line when the teams face off again at Murrayfield on July 20 – and Jig expects another feisty encounter. He said: “Those are the best friendlies to get. It’s the perfect scenario for everyone.
“I spoke to Wes Brown about Sir Alex’s team talk before the first game. He said to them we were going to come at them and warned they had to win their battles as it would be tasty. There were a few tackles in the game and although this is a friendly I can see it going that way.
“Will United want to slap down Rangers? Of course. That’s just the nature of it.
“The Rangers players will be saying, ‘Let’s have it then’. This has got the makings of a game with a wee bit of bite about it.”
It remains to be seen if John Lundstram will still be on board at Ibrox by the time this summer’s scrap comes about.
McCulloch is a huge fan of the
Scouse midfielder, out of contract at the end of the season. Jig said: “He’s been arguably Rangers’ best outfield player. For me, Jack Butland in goal has been tremendous.
“John’s had a lot of stick, which you’re going to get if you play for Rangers – end of !
“But the way he’s been in the middle of the pitch, showing aggression, running, nicking important goals, being good in the air, showing a good passing range, he’s got everything.
“He’s been good enough to say
you should try to keep a hold of him. Is he similar to me as a player? I’m not too sure he’d be happy with that comparison! “He can play in a couple of different positions, he even played centre-half a few times last season. He gets what the club is all about, which is the biggest thing for me.
“He loves playing for Rangers. I’d love to see him stay but I don’t know if that will happen.
“John’s got that mentality though where he loves to win, hates to get beat and performs consistently week in, week out.
“He’s been an easy target at times when he’s actually been playing OK. But when he’s on the game he’s one of the best.”
Tickets for Rangers’ friendly against Manchester United this summer enter a pre-sale period from yesterday, before going on public sale on Friday, March 22, at 10am. Prices start at £37 for adults and £19 for Under-16s. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.
Sir Alex came into the dressing room to say well done to everyone
LEE McCULLOCH HAS HAPPY UNITED MEMORIES