Schalke have surprised many en route to the last four, particularly given their domestic form this season, but have reached the semi-finals for the first time on the back of a 100 percent record at the Veltins-Arena, scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.

United on the other hand are no strangers to the latter stages of Europe’s elite competition and this year have made it this far without conceding a single goal on their travels – winning four and drawing one, while they have won 10 of the last 12.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have been installed as the 13/10 favourites in the match betting, while both Schalke and the draw can be backed at 11/5, and there has got to be a case for the German side upsetting the odds.

Schalke made short work of Benfica, Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Lyon in the group stages to progress as group winners, while the 2010 Bundesliga runners-up dispatched Valencia in their last-16 clash.

Many will talk about the amazing 5-2 success in the San Siro against reigning champions Inter Milan but it is worth remembering that they also won the return leg 2-1 despite holding the massive advantage in a game that the Italians were desperate to win.

Although Schalke have precious little experience of the latter stages, a three-time winner and record goalscorer in the competition leads their attack – and Raul (6/1 First/Last, 7/4 Anytime) has got to be considered in the goalscoring betting after notching five to get this far, as well as four goals in three previous appearances against United.

Ferguson’s men do not have history on their side either as they have failed to beat German opposition in any two-legged tie since the tournament was revamped to the Champions League in 1992, despite losing just one of 10 group-stage meetings.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have triumphed at the semi-final stage in 1997 and 2002 respectively – albeit the latter on away goals – while Bayern Munich have twice dumped out the Red Devils in the quarters – in 2001 and last year.

United have struggled on the road in the Premier League and their success in Europe has been built on solid foundations, rather than firepower, so there are unlikely to be many goals – Under 2.5 goals priced at 8/13 – particularly as there is still a game to come at Old Trafford.

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The 33-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu before making his debut for Real – where scored 323 goals in 741 games since 1994 – is available on a Bosman free transfer and was linked with a move to German side Schalke (7/1 Bundesliga Outright).

However Raul, who helped Real seal three Champions League triumphs and six Spanish league titles, confirmed that his future is not yet decided and he could still end up at a Premier League club.

Tottenham were linked with a swoop for Raul to spearhead their first foray into the Champions League next term (Spurs 40/1 Outright). However boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed that prospect, claiming his wages would be too high for the north Londoners.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations and Raul insists he will make a decision “in a few days”.

“I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England,” he said.

Raul added: “In a few days I will know whether I’ll be going to the Bundesliga [or to England].”

Raul was speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon to confirm his departure from Real Madrid and he described it as a “difficult day”.

He said: “Football has been my life and Real Madrid my home. Together we have lived unique moments.

“I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here.

“A new period starts today. I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs.”

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