Valbuena

Marseille already knew they would have to take on Sir Alex Ferguson's men without the injured France international forward Mathieu Valbuena.

Marseille forced to rejig ahead of Manchester United tie | Paul Doyle 2011

Wearing the captain's armband while Van Persie started the evening on the substitutes' bench, Vermaelen did his best to radiate his usual sense of calmness and security in the face of regular assaults mounted by Jordan and André Ayew, Loïc Remy, Mathieu Valbuena and the substitute Morgan Amalfitano on the right wing.

Thomas Vermaelen stands tall in making case for Arsenal's defence | Richard Williams 2011

Valbuena is only 5ft 4in and, as a teenager, was released by Bordeaux on the grounds that he was too small to make it as a professional.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

They will have [Mathieu] Valbuena back [for the second leg], one of their best players.

Sir Alex Ferguson bemoans Manchester United's 'dangerous score' 2011

Only fit enough to appear fleetingly as a substitute against United in the first leg, Valbuena islikely to start wide on the right at Old Trafford, and work his way infield, all mesmeric dribbles and cute passes.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

But after making peace with Deschamps, who had initially made it clear the pet of the previous manager had no place in his plans, Valbuena became a key part of Marseille's title-winning team and one of the few champions to excel consistently this term, until his injury.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

Among the players selected, five have never played for France: goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso, defenders Marc Planus and Adil Rami, midfielder Yann M'Vila and winger Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema left out of France's World Cup squad 2010

Valbuena had a superb season with Marseille, winning the French league title and the League Cup.

Benzema left out of France's World Cup squad 2010

But perhaps the most significant development at Rennes was that Mathieu Valbuena returned to action without a hitch.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011

Deschamps is unlikely to be so bold, but it may not be a shock if Valbuena has the last word.

Marseille's 5ft 4in Mathieu Valbuena could be big at Manchester United 2011