Champions' league (possible spoiler)

[mangaman]

So Man United thrashed Shalke.

Barcelona were cynical I feel and, as usual, got the referee on their side. I'm sure Ianrauk would agree the Stamford Bridge Barca game 2 years ago was a disgrace - it just seemed to me as a neutral as if the ref had been instructed that Barcelona had to be in the final.

Who by - I don't know - but it seems to happen so often in Barcelona's favour, I suspect EUFA want them in the final at all costs.

Man UTD were superb over the 2 legs. Shalke were rubbish - but they did put 7 past Inter Milan the round before, so I think United deserve a bit of credit. I think Europe's 2 best teams are in the final - which is great.

Last time in London Barca lost to Arsenal.

I think Man UTD have a real chance in a one off game. I'm by no means a Man U fan, but I'd love them to stuff Barcelona and quiten some of the hype around Spanish football. I think Ferguson is cleverer and clearly more experienced than Guardiola as well.

Man U payed some beautiful football in the 1st leg - and played a 2nd team in the 2nd leg and still trashed them.

I think Man U will win - anyone agree?

 

[yello]

I can't see Man U winning, Barca are just too complete a looking team imho. There were times in the Barca - Real semis where they looked about as close to perfection as you could get, sublime stuff.

BUT

if there's one thing that Ferguson has shown time and time again (in both Europe and in the prem) is that he can select and organise his teams to do what is required when it's required (not quite sure how they lost at Arsenal given the importance of the match, but I guess everyone has off days!!)

I just hope and prey that Man U DON'T try the Real tactic (particularly the 1st semi) of taking the physical approach to disrupt the Barca game. That'd make for a dull final.

If I had to bet, I'd go for Barcelona... but I wouldn't put much on it!

 

[asterix]

I think Man UTD have a real chance in a one off game. I'm by no means a Man U fan, but I'd love them to stuff Barcelona and quiten some of the hype around Spanish football. I think Ferguson is cleverer and clearly more experienced than Guardiola as well.

+1

I shan't see it (live). I shall be on t'road somewhere in the Dales.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Ferguson knew about the Barcelona passing 'carousel' two years ago but his tactics to contain it didn't come off as it blunted Uniteds fluid counter-attacking game. I have a sneaky feeling that things may be a little different this time and hope that it will be enough to win the match. If Ferguson does nothing else, he learns by his mistakes.
It was good to see Owen Hargreaves (my MOTM in the 2008 Final) last night. He would make a huge difference if match fit.

Bill

 

[PaulB]

Barcelona were cynical I feel and, as usual, got the referee on their side. - it just seemed to me as a neutral as if the ref had been instructed that Barcelona had to be in the final.

Man Ure would know all about favouritism from referees, wouldn't they? In the big game of this weekend, they've appointed Howard Webb to ref the game. Well Furrygusset does want to field his strongest twelve, does he not?

 

[Maz]

I'm torn between which team to support. I hate ManU but they are a British team in the final, after all.

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I'm torn between which team to support. I hate ManU but they are a British team in the final, after all.

Barcelona for me. I can't stand Alex Ferguson, when he finally dies/retires and is replaced I would want them to win.

 

[User482]

Funny how times change. For my parents' generation, Man U were everyone's second team, after the tragedy at Munich.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I was as much a Man U hater as anyone, but over the years I've warmed to them. Whatever you think of Fergie he has done a fantastic job building not one but several great sides. Barca make a big play of this "peoples club" bollox but they are as corrupt as anyone in the game and carrying eye-watering debt.

I will support and English team in Europe, with the exception of any that might be bankrolled by a leading Russian gangster of course.

 

[dan_bo]

I'm gonna put my pods in the pulper and say.......

Utd2-0Diving boring passitypasspass selfrighteous nobs.

So there you go.

 

[soulful dog]

Hopefully it'll be far more entertaining than the Real v Barcelona games. I know teams have to try and combat Barcelona somehow, but their matches v Chelsea, Inter & Real in recent years have all been terrible to watch. With Mourinho not being involved, I've a feeling it might just be a little more enjoyable.....

Not too fussed about who wins, probably just about prefer to see Barcelona triumph, but after a pair of dismal semi-finals (Man Utd did play well in the first game but Shalke were just so poor, and the 2nd goal by Messi was special but the least said about the rest of the games the better), some decent, entertaining football in the final is what I'm looking forward to!

 

[TheBoyBilly]

I always feel that, with Sir Alex, what you see is not always what you get. Sure he stands up for his club and players, but first and foremost he is a football man. He does huge amounts for lower league clubs (sending sides out for worthy causes) Ask Kenny Dalglish or even Kevin Keegan- they think the world of him even though he has had them both spitting feathers in the past. I think he's great, despite him supporting that Labour shite.

Bill

 

[rich p]

I'm not a Man U fan but they do play the most entertaining football in the Premier and have done for years. The regeneration of the tems over the years by Ferguson is to be admired too when you look at the managerial merry-go-round at other clubs and consequential boom and bust.

Arsenal are the only team that come close to playing a better brand of football on occasion.

Barca would be better to watch if they divided the number of passes per game by 2.

 

[Stephenite]

United can be guilty of passing the ball around too much too. Especially in the last third. Countless times i've seen them knock the ball out to the wing from just outside the penalty area. It was a relief, imo, to see Valencia shoot when one-on-one with the keeper (Neuer), getting the first goal home against Schalke. I was expecting a 'clever' flick to the onrushing forward.

I think the best two teams have reached the final. In terms of spectacle certainly.

 

[mangaman]

I always think Barca are over-hyped.

They are the favourites for sure, but I think Man UTD have a real chance.

I think the Barca defence is suspect - as Arsenal proved - and Rooney and Hernandez are a pretty lethal combo at the moment.

Messi is built up as a God-like figure, but I'm sure Ferguson can figure out a way to man mark him.

Otherwise, I thought barca were OK but not frightening against Arsenal and Real Madrid.

I think the 2 best teams have reached the final -which is the main thing.