Barcelona vs. Manchester United

Champions League final: Henrik Larsson on the Barcelona line-up for Wembley


Now retired, Sweden's Henrik Larsson won a Premier League title with Manchester United and both La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona. He here runs the rule over the latter ahead of Saturday's Wembley showdown . . .



By Henrik Larsson (Barcelona 2004-06, Man Utd 2007) 8:32AM BST 27 May 2011


Barcelona


Victor Valdes (Goalkeeper)
Age: 29
Champions League apps this season: 10 Goals: 0. Assists:0 Bookings: 0. Red Cards: 0
He is so used to not having much to do but has been very consistent for a very long time now. Really made the position his own during my time at the club and we always had total faith in him to make the important saves - even though they were so few and far between.


Dani Alves (Right-back)
Age: 28
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 2. Assists: 3. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
He is absolutely crucial to the way this Barcelona team play. A lot of attacks come through his combinations with Messi down the right. People talk about the service Messi gets from Xavi and Iniesta but if you manage to close down those routes then Messi still has Alves to turn to. A lot of people think he has a weakness defending because he is so strong going forward but he still does the basics well.


Gerard Pique (Centre-back)
Age: 24
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 1. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 3. Red Cards: 0
He is a solid defender and with the current make-up of the back four, he is more important than ever to this side. It will help him enormously that he knows the strengths and weaknesses of players like Rooney from his time at United. I missed him during my time at Barça because that was when he had moved to United. He clearly learned a lot from his time in England and since his return to Spain has become something of a superstar.


Javier Mascherano (Centre-back)
Age: 26
Champions League apps: 10. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
This will be an area that United will be hoping to exploit. Playing out of position, he might struggle in the air, which is a potential weakness for Barcelona, but he does have Pique alongside him to take that responsibility. As a centre-back I don't think he has any real problems though and he’s a very clever player. Another one that the United team will know all about - from his time at Liverpool.


Carles Puyol (Left-back)
Age: 33
Champions League apps: 7. Goals: 0. Assists:0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
This man is a complete warrior and I give him 10 out of 10 for his all-round defensive ability and also ability to inspire all around him. Moved to left-back from his favoured central position but you won't find him complaining. He is the kind of player anyone would want next to them and knows just how to lead Barcelona to success. A true one-club player and it was a privilege to play in the same team as him.


Sergio Busquets (Central midfield)
Age: 22
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 0. Assists: 2. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
A lot of negative things have been said about him and he does seem to get himself into trouble on occasions (United will have noticed that) but I still think he’s an asset to the Barcelona team and sometimes he is vital to their absolute control of matches which we all know Barcelona so well for. Does all the defensive work which often noone notices and feeds Xavi and Iniesta, who in turn feed Messi. It's the way the Barcelona machine works.


Xavi (Central midfield)
Age: 31
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 2. Assists: 2. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0
In my book he is the best player in the world. Yes, better than Iniesta, yes, better than Messi. Simply because all of the side's attacks start with him, and therefore he is creator of all that is beautiful about this side. He is constantly making clever passes and you hardly ever see him give it away. He has been a part of the club since he was 11 years old and it shows. He lives it.


Andres Iniesta (Central midfield)
Age: 27
Champions League apps: 9. Goals:1. Assists: 5. Yellow cards: 3. Red Cards: 0
I could pretty much repeat everything I said about Xavi - and that is why you rarely hear the one mentioned in a sentence without the other. The understanding they have built since he broke through into the side when I was at the club is quite phenomenal. I have never really seen anything like it on a football pitch. He is another guy who is small in stature but with so much energy and so much intelligence with the ball that he overcomes anything he lacks in physicality.


Lionel Messi (Forward)
Age: 23
Champions League apps: 12. Goals: 11. Assists: 3. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0
It seems ridiculous writing about him because he is the most talked about, most written about player in all the world. What more can I say? People are absolutely right to talk about him as one of the best ever because he’s been fantastic for the last few years and the thing about him is that he does when it matters the most, on the biggest stages. That is the mark of a true great - and I can't wait to see what he does with the ball next. A genius.


David Villa (Forward)
Age: 29
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 3. Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0.
He has had a very good first year after joining from Valencia, adjusting well to the way Barça play and he has also scored some vital goals for them. Has the Spain goal record and just can not be given any space in the box. Ferdinand and Vidic are going to have to get close to him


Pedro (Forward)
Age: 23
Champions League apps: 11. Goals: 4 Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
Has so much pace, is as good with his left as he is with his right and can play anywhere in the front three. He’s an unbelievable guy. I was going to say that he has the potential to make it to the very top - but what am i saying? he is already a world champion at 23
 
Champions League final: Henrik Larsson on the Manchester United line-up for Wembley


Now retired, Sweden's Henrik Larsson won a Premier League title with Manchester United and both La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona. He here runs the rule over the former ahead of Saturday's Wembley showdown . . .



By Henrik Larsson (Barcelona 2004-06, Man Utd 2007) 9:55AM BST 27 May 2011


Manchester United


Edwin van der Sar (Goalkeeper)
Age: 40
Champions League apps this season: 9. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0.
He has everything that you want from a goalkeeper - a great presence between the posts, superb positional sense - and he is a brilliant shot-stopper. Sir Alex Ferguson has bought two of the best keepers in his time at United in Peter Schmeichel and Van der Sar and that is one of the big reasons he has been so successful. The Dutchman has now played at such a high standard for such a long time that he does the easy things well so often it looks automatic. He has said today will be his last game and he deserves to leave football on the biggest club stage of all.


Fabio (Right back)
Age: 20
Champions League apps: 6. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
I haven’t seen much of him, but I’ve heard that he’s a little bit less attacking than his twin brother Rafael which might make him less exciting to watch but is surely the right choice when up against such a relentlessly attacking side as Barcelona. Sir Alex has been playing him regularly in the final weeks of the season and that’s probably all you need to know.




Nemanja Vidic (Centre-back)
Age: 29
Champions League apps: 8. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0.
Like Puyol is for Barcelona, the Manchester United captain is a rock at the back for United. He seems to have respect from his own team and his opponents. He was United's player of the season and could easily have been the Premier League's player of the season. His positioning is excellent and he is so powerful and strong. Some have suggested that he is not as swift as he should be, but he has Ferdinand, Fabio and Evra around him to help out.


Rio Ferdinand
Age: 32
Champions League apps: 6. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0.
Fitness has been such a problem with him in recent seasons but when he’s fit, he’s still probably the best centre half in the world. When he's missing United and England both struggle. Not only is he a great defender and superb at interrupting play, he carries with him a confidence that can spread throughout the team. Even though he’s had a tough couple of years you know what to expect from him in a final.


Patrice Evra (Left-back)
Age: 30
Champions League apps: 9. Goals: 0. Assists: 0. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
Very much a modern full back who loves to get forward and can provide some trouble down the left flank. With Alves being attack-minded too this could prove a pivotal area in the match tonight. Another one who is sometimes caught up in controversy but his contribution to this United side has been enormous over the years.


Antonio Valencia (Right midfield)
Age: 25.
Champions League apps: 6. Goals: 1. Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0.
When Cristiano Ronaldo left United many wondered how the void would be filled. It hasn't been, to a large degree because Ronaldo is a complete one-off, but Valencia has done a terrific job down the right and United have continued to dominate English football. Everyone knows about Valencia's pace but I can see he has great tactical awareness too. He has shown his importance since he came back from that horrific injury earlier in the season. He will have a great duel with Puyol.


Michael Carrick (Central midfield)
Age: 29
Champions League apps: 10. Goals: 0. Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0
H was criticised in 2009 for giving the ball away when United lost the final against Barcelona but he has an incredible ability to keep bouncing back. He remains a class act and his ability to keep hold of the ball will be crucial. Possession will be so important at Wembley because Barcelona are the experts, but Carrick should help United get some control of the ball. He is a bit of an unsung hero really, people forget how much he has done and how much he has won now.


Ryan Giggs (Central midfield)
Age: 37
Champions League apps: 7. Goals: 1. Assists: 4. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0.
People talk about experience and there isn't a man out there tonight in the outfield who has more know-how when it comes to the big games. It is such a cliché but experience counts for so much in all finals - especially European Cup finals - and Giggs just knows what he is doing. He was such an incredible influence on the pitch during my brief time at United and has deservedly won everything there is to win in the game. It must be so reassuring for Alex Ferguson to know that whatever he asks Giggs to do, he will deliver. Adapted well to the central role this season.


Ji-Sung Park (Left midfield)
Age: 30
Champions League apps: 8. Goals: 1. Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0.
Another who is a bit of an unsung hero during the domestic season but always seems to get picked for the big games - and always delivers. He brings the same kind of work-rate as Valencia, and gives United good balance. A hugely popular character.


Wayne Rooney (Striker)
Age: 25.
Champions League apps: 8. Goals: 3. Assists: 2. Yellow cards: 0. Red Cards: 0.
Another cliché about big games is about who has the momentum going into the final and with the form this man is in at the moment, I think he will vital for the outcome of the match. For me he is definitely in the top three strikers in the world and I would just like to see him prove that on the biggest stage, against the best team in world football. Then no one can have any doubts about him anymore. It is vital that he plays that role behind Hernandez tonight because that is when he is at his best, dropping into midfield and then making himself available to score.


Javier Hernandez (Striker)
Age: 22.
Champions League apps: 8. Goals: 4. Assists: 1. Yellow cards: 1. Red Cards: 0
Has started a great partnership with Rooney which has left Dimitar Berbatov, who finished the season has joint top Premier League scorer, on the sidelines for the second half of the season. No one expected the Mexican to have this impact in his first season in England - except I suppose Alex Ferguson. The Little Pea has shown he can score important goals - and he does it from all angles, and in all manner of ways too. What a find.
 
Big Image file of Benitez's analysis of today's match.

28k6owj.jpg
 
Am I the only one who thinks Carrick looks a bit like Gerrard in that pic?
 
The Experts' View: Our writers predict Wembley outcome
Saturday, 28 May 2011

James Lawton: Sports Writer of the Year

It will take huge, maybe even superhuman, effort in the midfield, but Manchester United do have the means to win. Ji-Sung Park's recent attack-dog performance against Chelsea might be one point of hope. Barça ooze class, of course, but if United are able to frustrate Lionel Messi to any degree, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez might just plunder the upset victory.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United

Glenn Moore: Football Editor

Unless there is an early goal the match could be a disappointment as United are likely to keep it tight while Barça have suffered a dip in form. The tie would thus need a moment of individual magic to win it, and Barcelona have more wizards.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-0 Man United

Ian Herbert: Northern Football Correspondent

Though the manager is their greatest asset and he believes there were several mistakes last time that he can rectify, United do not possess the individuals to overcome the world's greatest side. Barcelona to win.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Man United

Sam Wallace: Football Correspondent

Manchester United to win in extra time.I just fancy them to be solid early on and see off the best Barcelona have. Barça do have a reputation for slowing down after the break. I can't see United making the same elementary mistakes they did in 2009.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United (after extra time)

Brian Viner: Columnist

It will be a pretty cagey first half with both teams going for it in the second 45 minutes. I think it will be 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 after extra time, with United winning on penalties and Edwin van der Sar entering retirement as a hero.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Man United (United win on pens)

Mark Fleming: Football Writer

Manchester United will obviously need to play an almost perfect game if they are to prosper tonight. They shouldperform better than theydid in 2009, when they seemed confused by Lionel Messi's 'false nine' role, but I think they will fall short again.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-0 Man United

Neil Warnock: Columnist

I think the final will be very tight, certainly too close to call to risk having a bet on it (even if I gambled). Forced to pick a winner I'd go for Manchester United, but they need to get the first goal. Then their defence will have to be at their best to keep out Pep Guardiola's array of attackers.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United

Pete Jenson: European Football Correspondent

Lionel Messi will finally score on English soil after not having done it in six previous attempts. Wayne Rooney will test Barcelona defensively, regardless of whether its Puyol or Mascherano in the centre of defence, and will score United's goal.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Man United

Jack Pitt-Brooke: Football Writer

Of course Barcelona are technically better, and of course they will have more of the ball. But I think Javier Hernandez is the ideal striker to trouble Barcelona, and if he steals an early goal I'd back United to repel the siege for the rest of the evening.

Prediction: Barcelona 0-1 Man United
 
Drifter said:
2-1 United.
Click to expand...
I'm with ya on that bro. Wouldnt it be ironic to win by the same result like we did in the Nou Camp... "Wembley Wembley.. We're the famous Man United & we're off to Wembley..." No guts, no glory.. - its coming home lads, no fears, believe that & keep the faith! feck the banner right now: UNITED UNITED UNITED - in that order! C'MON :devil:
 
Manchester United and Barcelona are united in a common cause
Our two clubs are fierce Champions League rivals, but off the pitch we're working with Unicef to improve the lives of children

by Alex Ferguson and Josep Guardiola


guardian.co.uk, Saturday 28 May 2011



Tonight, Manchester United and FC Barcelona will meet in the Uefa Champions League final. While we each have immense respect for each other's achievements as managers and as teams, on Saturday you will find no two greater rivals.

On the pitch we will compete to win in this fierce competition. But off the pitch we each stand united in a common cause – our responsibility to help the most disadvantaged and hardest-to-reach children, through our partnerships with Unicef.

Our belief in nurturing young people and helping them to realise their sporting potential is core to both our clubs. But this belief isn't just limited to our squads. As clubs with global followings we recognise the important responsibility we each have to children not just within the UK and Spain, but worldwide. Wherever you are born, as a child you have the right to fulfil your dreams.

Children face huge challenges on a daily basis – challenges just to survive, to grow and to get an education. Every four seconds a child dies because of disease or lack of food. During the 90 minutes it will take to play Saturday's final, an estimated 1,350 children will die, often from preventable diseases. The children that do make it to school age often drop out by the millions and poverty is often the cause. This is wrong, and we are each supporting Unicef's work to put this right.

Manchester United has supported Unicef since 1999. Together we are working to ensure children survive and thrive by funding health centres in the poorest parts of Africa. For the past five years, FC Barcelona has supported Unicef by funding HIV/Aids programmes in Africa to prevent infection and protect children and families affected.

Next season the club is looking forward to taking this groundbreaking partnership to the next stage, utilising the social assets of the club in support of a global movement for education and sport that will deliver tangible results for children. Together, Manchester United and Barcelona are helping to improve the lives of 2.6 million children.

Of the 100 million people watching on Saturday, many will be children and many of these young people will have faced huge challenges in their day-to-day lives. Aside from these children having 90 minutes respite from their daily difficulties, many will have been touched by the work of Unicef that we support. This is the power of football, its ability to reach people across cultures as well as its capacity to bring hope.

There's a famous saying that "football is not just a game of life and death, it's more important than that". In some ways we'd agree. You will not find two more devoted and passionate sets of managers, players and fans and we'll both do everything in our power to win on Saturday. But, we're well aware that after our 90 minutes of pain are up, millions of children will continue to face extreme challenges every second of every day.
 
My masterplan: how Manchester United can beat Barcelona by David Pleat


Barcelona can be overcome if Manchester United keep their wits about them and follow five golden rules


guardian.co.uk, Friday 27 May 2011


1. Ferdinand must step out to pick up Messi

Barcelona's principal threat is obvious, the mesmeric Lionel Messi and the combination play he strikes up with Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta in particular, bursting through the centre and bypassing defenders with clever passing exchanges. Manchester United will be aware of that and must seek to close the space between their own back-line and midfield ranks to make sure Messi has less room to work in. Occasionally, Rio Ferdinand will have to be brave and step out to pick up the Argentinean. By doing that, they will clearly risk leaving open space in behind, but Barça aren't a team who seek to play David Villa in with balls over the top. Even so, Edwin van der Sar will have to be alert and sweep up any passes lofted over his defenders. The Premier League side must keep their shape and, when Messi drifts to the flanks, Patrice Evra and Fábio da Silva must be aware. To take a man out and man-mark the brilliant Argentinian would be counter-productive.

2. Encourage Park to attack marauding Alves

United must be proactive in terms of their selection and approach. In Rome back in 2009, Wayne Rooney was asked to play wide left with little effect. This time around, Park Ji-sung's energy must be employed in that position with the South Korean charged with attacking Dani Alves, a player happiest when marauding down the flank as a supplementary attacker, and try to make the full-back concentrate on defending. He is uncomfortable when pushed back into his shell. United must seek to pin back the Brazilian and, when the free-flowing full-back does break free to join his midfielders in their forward forays, the Premier League team must seek to exploit the space he has left behind on the counterattack once possession is prised from the Catalans.

3. Rooney must hassle Busquets in possession

Rooney, in a central role, will carry an attacking threat for United but he has defensive duties to play as well. The England forward must sit on Sergio Busquets, Barcelona's deepest-lying midfielder, when the Catalans start passing the ball out from the back. Busquets is their go-through man, a distributor with a fine passing range but the man who presents the play to the creative talents ahead. Yet, as Real Madrid showed in the semi-finals, the Spain international can become irritated if he is afforded close attention. Rooney must cramp his style, hassle and buzz around him, making sure Busquets is continually harassed when in possession. He can help cut off Barça at their source.

4. Close down Valdés and make him kick long

Víctor Valdés likes to start attacks, distributing to Busquets or his centre-halves when he collects the ball in open play, and, if only intermittently, United must close down the goalkeeper and those around him to force him to kick long. They have to snap on to the goalkeeper and push in on his centre-backs, who tend to split, and the deep-lying midfielder. They have to cut out the angle for Valdés and leave him no options. That will play into United's hands – their strength will be in the aerial ability of Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand, who are so happy dealing with that kind of delivery. It will not be something they can do every time Valdés collects, because it will expend energy, but now and again they must push on tight and force him out of his comfort zone.

5. Stay disciplined and keep 11 men on the pitch

United, above all, must remain disciplined. Barcelona's tie with Real Madrid in the semis was always likely to be fractious given the antagonism between the two bitter rivals, but what those games proved is that, when the Catalans are not smooth and comfortable in their possession, they can quickly become irritated and lose their focus. In contrast, it is vital that United stay cool and do not risk a sending off, which would make their task even more daunting. Barça cherish the ball and love being in possession; United have to retain a full complement to confront them effectively.
 
sammsky1 said:
Manchester United and Barcelona are united in a common cause
Our two clubs are fierce Champions League rivals, but off the pitch we're working with Unicef to improve the lives of children

by Alex Ferguson and Josep Guardiola

guardian.co.uk, Saturday 28 May 2011
Tonight, Manchester United and FC Barcelona will meet in the Uefa Champions League final. While we each have immense respect for each other's achievements as managers and as teams, on Saturday you will find no two greater rivals.
On the pitch we will compete to win in this fierce competition. But off the pitch we each stand united in a common cause – our responsibility to help the most disadvantaged and hardest-to-reach children, through our partnerships with Unicef.
Our belief in nurturing young people and helping them to realise their sporting potential is core to both our clubs. But this belief isn't just limited to our squads. As clubs with global followings we recognise the important responsibility we each have to children not just within the UK and Spain, but worldwide. Wherever you are born, as a child you have the right to fulfil your dreams.
Children face huge challenges on a daily basis – challenges just to survive, to grow and to get an education. Every four seconds a child dies because of disease or lack of food. During the 90 minutes it will take to play Saturday's final, an estimated 1,350 children will die, often from preventable diseases. The children that do make it to school age often drop out by the millions and poverty is often the cause. This is wrong, and we are each supporting Unicef's work to put this right.
Manchester United has supported Unicef since 1999. Together we are working to ensure children survive and thrive by funding health centres in the poorest parts of Africa. For the past five years, FC Barcelona has supported Unicef by funding HIV/Aids programmes in Africa to prevent infection and protect children and families affected.
Next season the club is looking forward to taking this groundbreaking partnership to the next stage, utilising the social assets of the club in support of a global movement for education and sport that will deliver tangible results for children. Together, Manchester United and Barcelona are helping to improve the lives of 2.6 million children.
Of the 100 million people watching on Saturday, many will be children and many of these young people will have faced huge challenges in their day-to-day lives. Aside from these children having 90 minutes respite from their daily difficulties, many will have been touched by the work of Unicef that we support. This is the power of football, its ability to reach people across cultures as well as its capacity to bring hope.
There's a famous saying that "football is not just a game of life and death, it's more important than that". In some ways we'd agree. You will not find two more devoted and passionate sets of managers, players and fans and we'll both do everything in our power to win on Saturday. But, we're well aware that after our 90 minutes of pain are up, millions of children wil continue to face extreme challenges every second of every day./QUOTE] Absolutely a great thing! United have quietly been associated with Unicef about 13yrs now. Ole was our ambassador. Barca have Unicef on their shirts to soften the blow to their supporters, that Qatar Foundation is gonna be next on the shirt. More than a club my arse..
Click to expand...
 
BBC are saying Fletcher could start in a five man midfield in place of hernandez.
 
Rooney and Park literally need to bust a gut today if United stand a chance of winning the game. Rooney needs to drop back to make the extra man in midfield, but I can see him becoming easily frustrated if he doesn't see the ball as often as he would like. There were signs of that when we beat you at the Emirates, he didn't see enough of the ball as he would have liked and let it get to him. You can't afford him doing something similar today, he'll need to work his arse off tracking back and then linking with Hernandez when you do get the ball. That's going to be the key for a Manchester United victory today.
 
sammsky1 said:
My masterplan: how Manchester United can beat Barcelona by David Pleat


Barcelona can be overcome if Manchester United keep their wits about them and follow five golden rules


guardian.co.uk, Friday 27 May 2011


1. Ferdinand must step out to pick up Messi

Barcelona's principal threat is obvious, the mesmeric Lionel Messi and the combination play he strikes up with Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta in particular, bursting through the centre and bypassing defenders with clever passing exchanges. Manchester United will be aware of that and must seek to close the space between their own back-line and midfield ranks to make sure Messi has less room to work in. Occasionally, Rio Ferdinand will have to be brave and step out to pick up the Argentinean. By doing that, they will clearly risk leaving open space in behind, but Barça aren't a team who seek to play David Villa in with balls over the top. Even so, Edwin van der Sar will have to be alert and sweep up any passes lofted over his defenders. The Premier League side must keep their shape and, when Messi drifts to the flanks, Patrice Evra and Fábio da Silva must be aware. To take a man out and man-mark the brilliant Argentinian would be counter-productive.

2. Encourage Park to attack marauding Alves

United must be proactive in terms of their selection and approach. In Rome back in 2009, Wayne Rooney was asked to play wide left with little effect. This time around, Park Ji-sung's energy must be employed in that position with the South Korean charged with attacking Dani Alves, a player happiest when marauding down the flank as a supplementary attacker, and try to make the full-back concentrate on defending. He is uncomfortable when pushed back into his shell. United must seek to pin back the Brazilian and, when the free-flowing full-back does break free to join his midfielders in their forward forays, the Premier League team must seek to exploit the space he has left behind on the counterattack once possession is prised from the Catalans.

3. Rooney must hassle Busquets in possession

Rooney, in a central role, will carry an attacking threat for United but he has defensive duties to play as well. The England forward must sit on Sergio Busquets, Barcelona's deepest-lying midfielder, when the Catalans start passing the ball out from the back. Busquets is their go-through man, a distributor with a fine passing range but the man who presents the play to the creative talents ahead. Yet, as Real Madrid showed in the semi-finals, the Spain international can become irritated if he is afforded close attention. Rooney must cramp his style, hassle and buzz around him, making sure Busquets is continually harassed when in possession. He can help cut off Barça at their source.

4. Close down Valdés and make him kick long

Víctor Valdés likes to start attacks, distributing to Busquets or his centre-halves when he collects the ball in open play, and, if only intermittently, United must close down the goalkeeper and those around him to force him to kick long. They have to snap on to the goalkeeper and push in on his centre-backs, who tend to split, and the deep-lying midfielder. They have to cut out the angle for Valdés and leave him no options. That will play into United's hands – their strength will be in the aerial ability of Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand, who are so happy dealing with that kind of delivery. It will not be something they can do every time Valdés collects, because it will expend energy, but now and again they must push on tight and force him out of his comfort zone.

5. Stay disciplined and keep 11 men on the pitch

United, above all, must remain disciplined. Barcelona's tie with Real Madrid in the semis was always likely to be fractious given the antagonism between the two bitter rivals, but what those games proved is that, when the Catalans are not smooth and comfortable in their possession, they can quickly become irritated and lose their focus. In contrast, it is vital that United stay cool and do not risk a sending off, which would make their task even more daunting. Barça cherish the ball and love being in possession; United have to retain a full complement to confront them effectively.
Click to expand...

Hadn't thought of this one.

Could be key to Hernandez playing, closing down Valdes and forcing long balls which we'll fancy ourselves for.
 
One of my favourite games as a United fan is against Barcelona, at Camp Nou, 3-3. Yorke and Cole :drool:
 
Man-United said:
One of my favourite games as a United fan is against Barcelona, at Camp Nou, 3-3. Yorke and Cole :drool:
Click to expand...

Xavi played in that game, hard to believe it really....him against Keane etc.
 
We score always great goals against Barca

1) Scholes: semi-final 2008
2) Yorke-Cole combo: 98-99 season at Nou Camp
3) Beckham freekick: 98-99 season at Old Trafford
4) Sharpe`s back-heel goal: 93-94 season at Old Trafford
 
VidaRed said:
Quarter Finals

Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester United
Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester wins 3-1 on aggregate

Semi Finals

Schalke 0 - 2 Manchester United
Manchester United 4 - 1 Schalke

Manchester wins 6-2 on aggregate

ok804.gif
[/CENTER]
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David Pleat in disguise?
 
Just going to look at appearances to see who should miss the final (on that basis). Got a feeling Ferdinand

Goalkeepers
VAN DER SAR - 810 Min. Played
-----------------------------
KUSCZCAK - 180 Min. Played
---------------------------------
AMOS - 90 Min. Played
LINDEGARD 0 Min. Played

Defenders
EVRA - 741 Min. Played
SMALLING - 671 Min. Played
VIDIC - 720 Min. Played
RAFAEL -504 Min. Played
---------------------------
FERDINAND - 500 Min. Played
O'SHEA -398 Min. Played
----------------------------
FABIO - 375 Min. Played
----------------------------
EVANS - 194 Min. Played
BROWN -180 Min. Played
NEVILLE - 0 Min. Played

CARRICK -900 Min. Played
NANI - 730 Min. Played
PARK - 641 Min. Played
GIGGS -486 Min. Played
-----------------------
FLETCHER - 441 Min. Played
VALENCIA - 376 Min. Played
--------------------------
ANDERSON - 375 Min. Played
--------------------------
SCHOLES - 354 Min. Played
GIBSON - 253 Min. Played
OBERTAN - 122 Min. Played

Forwards
ROONEY - 713 Min. Played
BERBATOV - 520 Min. Played
-----------------------------
HÉRNANDEZ - 460 Min. Played
----------------------------
MACHEDA - 95 Min. Played
BÉBÉ - 27 min. Played
OWEN - 27 Min. Played

In this system the side would be:

Van der Sar; Rafael, Vidic, Smalling, Evra; Park, Giggs, Carrick, Nani; Rooney, Berbatov

Subs: Kuszczak, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Fletcher, Valencia, Hérnandez and 1 from Fabio and Anderson, with Scholes, Evans etc. missing out.

What we will see is that if Fabio is selected at rightback

O'Shea/Rafael for a bench spot
Scholes/Anderson/Fletcher and maybe O'Shea for two
 
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