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Could Manchester United have more of a chance to overcome Real Madrid than some may think?

It seems not many people think that Man Utd can progress to the next stage of the Champions League since it was revealed they are to play Real Madrid. Despite the doubts, are there signs that Man Utd could actually overcome the La Liga club?

Man United have, so far, been having a successful Champions League campaign, going into the next stage of the competition as the winners of their particular group.

However, football can be a cruel game, and despite winning their group, they are to face last season's La Liga champions, who managed to beat Barcelona to the title.

Many are greatly anticipating the two matches between two of the most famous clubs in Europe, with the prospect of seeing players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas (though he is still trying to regain his starting spot on the team) and Karim Benzema on the same pitch. Do Manchester United realistically have much chance of winning against Real Madrid?

Well, some evidence gives the impression that Manchester United may actually be able to beat Real Madrid and progress.

See, Real Madrid are not having the perfect season so far. Very unusually for La Liga, Real Madrid are in third place in the table. It already looks very likely that they will not defend the La Liga title, being 16 points behind current La Liga leaders Barcelona. Additionally, they did not manage to win their Champions League group. Seeing as Manchester United did manage to win theirs, is this evidence Manchester United could be victorious?

Real Madrid also suffered an embarrassing defeat to Málaga in December.

In contrast, Manchester United are leading the Premier League table, being currently seven points ahead of Manchester City who are in second place. Is this more evidence that Manchester United could actually beat Real Madrid?

Additionally, while Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player, could Manchester United be helped by the form of Robin van Persie, who has scored 16 Premier League goals so far this season.

It could be said that trying to minimise the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo on the two games is one of the most important things that Manchester United should do. Could it be said that some of the Manchester United players' knowledge of the former Manchester United footballer could help them? However, do they have much chance of overcoming a man who is considered by many to be one of the two best players in the world?

It is likely it will be very hard for Manchester United to beat Real Madrid. The La Liga team have been European champions nine times. Additionally, could it be said that if Real Madrid do not have much chance left of winning this season's La Liga title, are they more desperate to win the Champions League?

Playing Real Madrid may be very tough for Manchester United. However, could it be said that they could have more chance of overcoming Real Madrid than some may think?