United travel to Germany striving to clinch a dream final against Real Madrid or Barcelona at Wembley...
Form Guide
United left it late but got the job done against Everton thanks to Javier Hernandez's winner. The Reds made it three consecutive clean sheets in the league and haven't lost since the 3-1 reverse at Liverpool on March 6. Of course, Sir Alex's side have still to concede a goal on the road in this season's Champions League. Schalke are 10th in the Bundesliga after a home defeat when fielding a shadow side against Kaiserslautern at the weekend. The Miners' form has been inconsistent but they've won all their home games in this competition this term.
Ins and outs
Dimitar Berbatov is out with a groin problem, joining Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves on the sidelines. Everybody else is available, including John O'Shea who limped off against Everton. Schalke's Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is definitely unavailable due to a knee injury but promising defender Benedikt Howedes is fit again and the players rested for the weekend are all fresh.
Last meeting
The two teams have never played before in European competition.
Top man
Manuel Neuer is an outstanding goalkeeper, tipped to become the best in the world. Although some felt he was destined to replace Edwin van der Sar at United, the Germany international looks poised to join Bayern Munich after declaring his intention to quit the Veltins-Arena. The timing of the announcement could have been better but this is the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents.
Quote/unquote
"It is a similar position to the one we were in against Inter. We are the clear underdogs in this tie too. Everybody expects Manchester United to win easily." Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick
Any sub-plots?
The Reds have had some harrowing experiences against German opposition in the competition. Bayern Munich have knocked Sir Alex's side out on a couple of occasions, including last year, while Borussia Dortmund (1997) and Bayer Leverkusen (2002) beat United in last-four ties. The Reds have never beaten a Bundesliga side over two legs.
Whistle-blower
Carlos Velasco takes charge - the Spaniard was the man in the middle when United defeated Marseille 2-1 in the knockout stages with Javier Hernandez scoring both goals.
Did you know?
Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney have played at the Veltins-Arena before - it was the scene of England's penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal during the 2006 World Cup. 'Wazza' was sent off on that occasion so let's hope he has happier memories this time around.
Rivals watch
Real Madrid face Barcelona in their explosive semi-final on Wednesday night at the Bernabeu.
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