Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner says he is ready to face up against Arjen Robben, when his side face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter finals.
The 25-year-old Dutchman, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson last season, has mainly played a bit-part role this campaign, but he will be forced into action at left-back in the quarter-final first leg tie on Tuesday as replacement for the suspended Patrice Evra.
Buttner has managed only seven league starts since joining the club from Vitesse Arnhem but looked solid against West Ham and Aston Villa in recent matches.
“I feel confident about playing them. I know what Arjen Robben can do and I am ready for him. I have watched him so I know how he plays,” said Buttner, as quoted in The Telegraph.
“I know enough from what I have seen to know how he plays the game. It is not under discussion how good he is, we all know that.
“This kind of big game is why you play football. It is what it is all about and it would be good for my career if I could do well against Robben. In the last two matches I have played well, put in some good challenges and I hope I will build on that not just Bayern but after that as well. But I am focused 100 per cent on Bayern now and I am ready.”
Well, we’re not doubting the spirit of Buttner, but we hope he knows that he can expect a tougher test than what West Ham and Villa had provided.
Some good news for Moyes though is that right back Rafael is fit for the game, after he was substituted at half-time against Villa with a thigh injury. Rafael will be looking to make amends for his last appearance against Bayern, when his red card resulted in United’s exit from the competition in 2010.
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