Saturday, May 07, 2011
Gulf News
Sir Alex Ferguson will once again get the chance to try and crack the Barcelona code after both teams successfully booked a Champions League final showdown at Wembley.
United were comprehensively outplayed by their Spanish opponents two years ago in Rome, where despite their managers’ warnings beforehand, they were given a dizzying ride on the Barcelona “carousel”.
Ferguson maintains he knows exactly where they went wrong that night and the Scot will now have a chance to make amends when the two meet on May 28.
The question is whether Ferguson will be able to curb his natural instinct to attack?
Few teams have been able to compete with the Catalan giants at their own game, and this is not a great United team. There are also changes from that dizzying night in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico with United shorn of the talents of both Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo, although both had little influence two years ago.
Of further worry to the Red Devils’ fans will be their recent outing against Arsenal — considered by many to be a Barcelona lite. United were unable to get any significant possession at the Emirates and a similar story at Wembley can surely only lead to one outcome.
Fletcher bonus
Might Ferguson then be encouraged to pack his midfield in a bid to stem the tick-a-tack passing of Iniesta, Xavi and the mercurial Lionel Messi?
Darren Fletcher, unavailable two years ago through suspension, is a huge bonus for Ferguson, who will no doubt look to his fellow Scot to put a spanner in the workings of the Catalan carousel.
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, may be asked to play a lone role up front as United look to hit the Spanish giants on the break. Again the Toxteth boy’s return to form is a positive, and he may find some joy running against a Barcelona defence, which has shown weaknesses at times.
Ferguson earlier this week said United cannot fear their illustrious opponents, and rightly so.
It is not in the DNA of the Scot or the club that he has moulded for the past 20 years, but only a fool would suggest that United are anything but underdogs for the final.
This may work to their benefit and if the Scot can crack the Barcelona code then football fans can expect a real treat when the talking finally stops and the giants cross the line later this month.
Ferguson earlier this week said United cannot fear their illustrious opponents, and rightly so. It is not in the DNA of the Scot or the club that he has moulded for the past 20 years, but only a fool would suggest that United are anything but underdogs for the final.
By Jon Rhodes Deputy Sports Editor
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
