Real Madrid v Manchester United- UEFA Champions League - Instead, the European heavyweights meet at the last 16 stage, in a match described by Real boss Jose Mourinho as one "the whole world wants to see".

A nice read by Rob Smyth on Rafael's emergence.

In his annual piece for the Guardian, Jonathan Wilson presents his tactical trends for 2012

ZM / Michael Cox on the two Manchesters leading into the derby. I know with the new layout that fanshots just get buried down here, so perhaps Gene or SS in the preview can link to ZM's post.

You can't be serious!?!

It really pisses me off that we lost this kid, and I blame Manchester United brass most of all. Sir Alex and the management of Manchester United knew what they had with this kid, but they tried to play hardball with him, and teach him a lesson. Now, he's in Italy, being for Juventus EXACTLY what we need. So stupid on our part.

A really good breakdown of United's first two goals on Sunday by Chelsea fan @CareFreeChronic. It hasn't been talked about much, but Rio had very big contributions on both goals.