United played out a 1- 0 agaisnt the Gunners at home on Wednesday night. It was a welcomed win against one of our most bitter rivals. A one goal advantage to take to the Emirates is invaluable but more so, simply beating Arsenal carries a massive oh-so-sweet feeling with it. :)

So where do we stand?

A 0 - 0 draw would see us through. Even a 2 - 1 loss would take United to Rome! But it would be a shame to go through on the back of a loss.

Many quarters are arguing that the job is far from done and with reliance on United’s track record at the Emirates, all is still to play for.

But I feel that United have the experience to see through a goal advantage and book a place in the Finals in Rome.

But make no mistake, caution is to be exercised at the highest level for the return match in London.

United’s position after the first leg of the last two knock-out stages are completely different compared to the one that lies ahead next week.

Last 16 - Inter Milan (24 FEB 2009)

After the first leg against Inter at the San Siro, it was evident that United were on the back foot, as the next leg was to be played at home and conceding an away goal would have halted United’s charge to Rome.

Last 8 - FC Porto (7 APRIL 2009)

After the first leg against FC Porto at home, United were again handed the clear disadvantage heading into the second leg in Portugal, no thanks to 2 conceded away goals.

United survived the last two knockout ties under pressure, NEEDING AN OUTRIGHT WIN to safely and surely progress to the next round of Europe’s most coveted trohpy.

Things are very much different this time around. As highlighted above, United are in a position where even a loss will take them through to the finals.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is that United need to pay extra attention their mental game as much as their on-field tactics.

Going into the matches at Old Trafford against Inter and the Estadio Da Dragao against Porto, United players must’ve had “We need to win this!” ringing and chiming away in their heads. And suffice to say, that mentality played a vital role in seeing us through both matches.

To assure safe passage to Rome, this is the same mentality that United need to take with them to the Emirates. We need to go for a win (without comprimising the defence and midfield of course) even though a lesser result will do just fine. After all, with United, only a win will do.