Sir Alex Ferguson has said that the 6-1 defeat to Manchester City was his worst day in football. But is is it his biggest defeat as a manager?

It turns out that this is only the third time (in 2,061 games spread over 37 years) that a team managed by Ferguson has conceded six goals in a game. The others came in 1974, when East Stirlingshire lost 6-2 at Albion Rovers, and 1996, when Manchester United were thumped 6-3 by Southampton.

Here’s a list of Ferguson’s 16 managerial defeats by four goals or more, ordered by margin of defeat, goals conceded and then date.

1. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City, Premier League, 23 October 2011

2. East Stirlingshire 5-0 St Mirren, Scottish Division Two, 26 April 1975

3. Partick Thistle 5-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier Division, 26 April 1978

4. Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United, Premier League, 20 October 1996

5. Chelsea 5-0 Manchester United, Premier League, 3 October 1999

6. Albion Rovers 6-2 East Stirlingshire, Scottish Second Division, 17 September 1974

7. Hibernian 5-1 St Mirren, Scottish Premier Division, 11 March 1978

8. Manchester City 5-1 Manchester United, First Division, 23 September 1989

9. Aberdeen 4-0 St Mirren, Scottish League Cup, 25 August 1976

10. St Mirren 0-4 Aberdeen, Scottish Premier Division, 8 October 1977

11. Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Manchester United, First Division, 4 May 1987

12. Nottingham Forest 4-0 Manchester United, First Division, 2 May 1990

13. Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United, First Division, 16 September 1990

14. Barcelona 4-0 Manchester United, European Cup, 2 November 1994

15. Arsenal 4-0 Manchester United, League Cup, 5 November 2001

16. West Ham 4-0 Manchester United, 30 November 2010

The City defeat was not the worst of Ferguson’s entire football career – he was in the Falkirk side that lost 7-1 to Airdrie on 26 April 1971.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester City get the chance to finally – definitively – emerge from the shadow of their cross-town Red rivals as this year’s UEFA Champions League commences. They’ll do so with a team which, while not having ever competed in the the Champions’ League as a unit, possesses a significant amount of top-flight continental experience. United, of course, have made it to three of the past four Champions’ League finals for one win and two losses.

2011 Summer Transfers

For City, gone are second-tier superstars like Roque Santa Cruz, Emanuel Adebayor and Jo, replaced by true World’s best candidates Sergio “Kun” Aguero and Samir Nasri. The combination of this season’s biggest buy with last season’s (Edin Dzeko) has become the Naomi Campbell of Premier League forward tandems – terrifyingly beautiful. Indeed, they have been so good so far that Tevez, the Premiership’s equal top-scorer last season, has been restricted to two appearances. Nasri has also been very impressive in his short stay at Eastlands. There have been questions as to Mancini’s willingness to attack, but City’s results this year exhibit newfound creative zest, so far putting such allegations to rest.

Ferguson’s United, version 7.2, were constructed to compete with Barcelona after their dismantling at the feet of the Catalans in last season’s Champions’ League final. An ageing one-club defence was replenished by acquiring Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers and promoting Chris Smalling. England winger Ashley Young arrived from Villa and Edwin van der Sar begat twenty year-old Spaniard David De Gea. Red Devil fans salivated at the prospect of Paul Scholes being replaced by Luka Modric, Samir Nasri or Wesley Sneijder; but the Ginger One’s replacement came from within as Tom Cleverley (injured on Saturday) and Anderson stepped up to claim starting berths. 18 goals in four EPL matches essentially without using Fletcher, Valencia and Berbatov is awe-inspiring.

As things stand, the two Manchester sides are among the top five sides in most Champions League odds, with United 3rd favourites and City 5th. For a Champions League debutant, it’s a testament to their player recruitment strategy that they are ranked so high. Only Barcelona (1), Madrid (2) and Chelsea (4) seemingly stand in their way.

City v United

On paper – and League form so far – the two squads are amongst the strongest in the competition. Both teams have Champions’ League experience in spades with United , naturally, possessing more, boosted by the individual totals sported by Rio Ferdinand, Parice Evra and Methuselah Ryan Giggs. The City player with the most UCL experience are Arsenal expats Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy as well as Nigel de Jong.

One’s strength is the other’s weakness – Joe Hart is the best goalkeeper in England; David De Gea has provided more questions than answers in his short tenure as United’s number one. The youngster will eventually become an outstanding goalkeeper but has shown vulnerability to aerial assault and appears to occasionally regress into his shell, a characteristic unhelped by his unfamiliarity with English.

As you cross Manchester in the opposite direction, the reverse is true. With Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure’s presence at centre-back, City’s defence has rarely looked totally cohesive against top-class opposition. If last seasons’ Blues were accused of risking a possible victory for a certain draw, they have rectified this in their acquisition of willo-the-wisp Nasri, whose exploits in the Champions League last season against Porto (amongst others) were matched by his City debut against Spurs.

Champions League Group Stages

City have earned themselves the harder group. United might be apprehensive about one match only – away at Benfica on Wednesday, perhaps the first Champions’ League test for their much-vaunted Backline of the Future. The rest of their group comprises FC Basel of Switzerland and Romania’s Otelul Galati, whose stadium isn’t up to UEFA standards, so will play their home games at Bucharest’s National Stadium.

The blue half of Manchester will look at all their away ties with unease: trips to Villarreal, Napoli and 2010 Champions’ League finalists Bayern Munich litter their upcoming schedule. With each side boasting enviable forward talent, it would be no surprise if the group stage supplies a surfeit of goals. Not only will this tough group affect the Citizens’ chances of a successful campaign, but could have a profound impact on their Premier League results. Even though the travel involved is relatively minor, City will play away from home in the Premiership after each of their Champions’ League matches, including trips to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield.

How Far Will City Go?

After a exciting, rollercoaster and often amusing start to life in Europe’s elite, the question that will define City’s initial Champions’ League campaign no longer concerns their talent, attitudes, defensive mindset or even Champions’ League experience. The largest question looms over the centre of their defence: will – or can – two of Lescott, Kompany and Kolo Toure form a solid central defensive partnership able to repel the best attacks in Europe?

United’s question is the same as it was six months ago: if De Gea is the anointed one, how will such a young man deal with both expectations and the aerial bombardment he’s certain to receive at the hands of burly centre forwards. No one doubts his shot-stopping ability (except when Shane Long is concerned), but his command of area. A clean sheet in Saturday’s match against Kevin Davies’ Bolton Wanderers will have helped.

It’s likely that both clubs will get through their respective groups, though City’s seeding and draw has done them no favours. It is only right, though, that both teams should progress having spent significantly on their squads over past years. Anything less than a return to the last four would be seen as a failure by Fergie and his crew at Old Trafford. At Eastlands, confidence is high that they can replicate such achievements themselves – and they just might.

Also See: Champions League Preview: Real and Barca the teams to beat

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There was a time when winning trophies was a habit at the Emirates. Or rather, Highbury. Such have been Arsenal’s performances that they have failed to win a major trophy since 2005. Not a piece of silverware has been won since moving to their new state of the art stadium and it is surely high time that Aresene Wenger accepted the fact this formula has come undone.

The Aresnal squad has been comprised of mostly young  starlets over the past few years and while it must be accepted that the starlets in question have loads of potential, there’s not enough in them yet to mount a serious challenge for any title. When Arsenal reached the final of the league cup in the recently concluded 2010-11 season, many thought the trophy drought would end but even that was not to be. The question then remains is how long Wenger can go without bringing in considerable changes to the structure of his team. The answer to that, is quite evident.

Whilst flair and class are eye-catching features of an Arsenal performance, the thing they lacks the most is the drive and determination. While beating weaker teams by 6 and 7 goal margins around August is perfectly fine, what really counts is beating the big teams in close matches come April and this is something Arsenal faltered at time and time again. One of the main reasons that helped Manchester United, who were clearly not boasting their best ever squad, to the league title last season was the grit and determination put on show by Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. And that very determination is what the Gunners have failed to show, with a fragile state of mind being exposed a time too many. All these add up  to the growing calls for the addition of experienced and battle hardened players to the Gunners line-up, something which might prove somewhat easy this summer.

If the players that will be easy to get are to be looked at, the West Ham duo of Mathew Upson and Scott Parker should prove easy targets. Both players will be eager to get back to the top flight and lure of Champions League football will add up to what should prove considerably easy purchases. They both bring experience at the highest level and a robustness that most Arsenal players seem to be lacking. Blackpool’s Charlie Adam could be next on the list. Rumours linking him to Manchester United and Liverpool seemed to have died down with both clubs looking elsewhere for midfield additions and Arsenal could easily benefit from that and snipe away the Bloomfield Road icon. He and Parker could easily add the base that Andrei Arshavin , Tomas Rosicky or Theo Wallcott need to push ahead from midfield.

Looking away from England, Russia’s Igor Akinfeev remains a hot target for a number of clubs and could be the man to give Arsenal firm cover between the sticks. Goalkeeping woes have been one of the biggest problems for Arsenal last season and to get Akinfeev, who has amassed a considerable amount of experience for both club and country, would be an ideal addition to the Arsenal dressing room. He should also be cheaper than other big name goalies.

Other than the aforementioned names , a number of players who could be interested in a move to the Premier League would be Borrusia Dortmund’s commanding centre back Neven Subotic. The Serb has been nothing short of brilliant for Dortmund lsat season and was integral in driving his club to the Bundesliga title. Add to that, the likes of Belgian Axel Witsel and German Per Mertesacker all remain potentially brilliant but reasonably less costly targets.

Regardless of who exactly Wenger does opt for, the criteria remain unquestionable. Arsenal is in dire need of players who will add a solid foundation to an otherwise spineless team. It is only then that the full potential of the likes of Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie will be realized. A few good signings in key areas, namely defense , will be enough to trigger a great season from the London outfit.  Otherwise, it just might be time to bid farewell to one of the greatest foreign managers to have been graced of English football.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

How long will it take before employees of Manchester United fathom the club is King and they mere pawns? I fear the answer is ‘longer than they’ll be afforded’.

Public conduct will forever be a subjective topic, but for me, a players behaviour is no business of mine. It should however be of paramount importance to the club that pays his wages. Why should they stand by and watch their assets drag their name through the mud to satisfy the blood thirsty media and the ever flocking fickle fan.

Clubs don’t just hire the modern day footballer to play football, oh no. He’s hired to sell shirts, attract sponsors, satisfy premium paying hospitality guests and lure a constant stream of merchandise hungry foreign tourists into it’s megastore.

It’s a fact that Manchester United held a meeting recently where the first team were informed that their conduct on Twitter was under surveillance. The Reserves were also warned and the Academy players were ordered to refrain from using the site altogether until further notice.

The cause of the meeting was thought to be Ravel Morrison’s misguided remark the day after the clubs prestigious awards ceremony.

Twitter Incidents:

Ravel Tweeted “What a load from last nights awardss well done tunnerz tho appart from dat – Shit”

That came just days after Wayne Rooney had been lured by @sam-oldham-LFC into taking the bait on offer. “Rooney ya fat whore ill smash ya head in with a pitchin wedge an bury ya with a ballast fork ya fat ugly lil nonse” he wrote.

Rooney quickly retorted “I will put u asleep within 10 seconds hope u turn up if u don’t gonna tell everyone ur scared u little nit. I’ll be waiting” and suddenly the mundane public indulged in some excessive overhyping and again the player was dragging the clubs name through the mud.

It’s impossible to escape the fact that we’re also currently watching a real life soap opera unfold elsewhere within the team. That story looks destined to diminish the achievements and the image of Mr You Know Who, and where did that story eminate from…?

Then there’s Darron Gibson. He opens a Twitter account, he gets dogs abuse for two hours then shuts down his account.

Rio Ferdinand, the self proclaimed ‘King of Twitter’ has for weeks bombarded over a million peoples timelines with petty nonsense about Piers Morgan’s alledged ‘man boobs’ or ‘moobs’ as they’re called and that soon became very very tedious.

It’s not acceptable for the England national team to travel to Spain and recieve vile racial abuse but it’s ok to publicly browbeat a fellow user in front of millions of viewers? #hypocrite

The latest revelation is that @rioferdy5 appears to think it’s acceptable to send a private message via Twitter to a journalist who, to Ferdinands disgust, has made it public to the Twitfam (Ferdinands pet name for his Twitter followers). “you fat prick…” the message began……..Are you really that surprised, Rio? And what is it with other peoples weight?

Ferdinand continued “u got something to say about me missing a drugs test say it when u see me.”

Now excuse me for thinking this, but it strikes me there’s an element of immaturity going on here, not to mention unthinkable niavete.

It’s my own opinion that @OllieHoltMirror is a pompous twat but since making the DM (private message) public, he’s been castigated by United fans who mostly support Ferdinand’s actions, whereas fans of opposing teams are unsurprisingly queueing up to pour sympathy over Holt.

Personally, I don’t care for pinning my colours to a single party as support because it just doesn’t matter, they’re both acting like utter buffoons anyway (although Rio did start it!!!).

What’s Important?

What I DO care about though is Manchester United. Its employees come and go, and very few do more for the club than they do for themselves. Some, both past and present, have displayed a certain distain for the club that’s left a bitter taste in the mouth that will never be washed away – Eg: Rooney October 2010. Ferdinand July 2005/Sep 2003. I just wish MY club meant as much to them as it does to me.

How can this incredible platform [Twitter] that offers so many fantastic possibilities between fan and player, be shamefully abused by people who should know better. If I was paid anywhere in the region of what they take out of MY club every week then I’d be extraordinarily careful not to harm the chances of that continuing. Seems to me that unless these players quickly establish the difference between what TO say and what NOT to say, the more time they’ll be gifted to embrace the format. If they don’t, and I’m of the opinion it’s already too late, they risk being shut down completely. Thus destroying what was/is potentially the most auspicious and valuable link between the now untouchable superstar and the flock of following mugs.

Let’s just stick to the football hey lads? I don’t give a shit about Rio burping his latest addition or which act on Britain’s Got Talent Wayne Rooney finds the most exciting, but at least they’re not offensive. How’s about having a conversation about football at some point? #besensible #pleasedon’tspoilit

@Rimmerstweets

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester United secured their 19th league title recently. James, Chief MUFC Writer for writtenoffside.com, chronicles the highs and the lows of a another memorable season.

Pre-Season

Manchester United kicked off the 2010-11 season with three new additions to the squad. Chris Smalling had agreed his transfer from Fulham back in January 2010 but the deal was officially signed in July. Javier Hernández was signed from Chivas Guadlajara and impressed United fans with his pace and eye for goal during the World Cup in South Africa. The most surprising purchase by the club was that of Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (better known as Bébé) who arrived for a reported fee of £7.4million and with just 26 games as a professional behind him and seemingly little pedigree as a top class footballer.

United kicked off the season with the traditional Community Shield fixture against double winners Chelsea at Wembley. The Red Devils picked up their first silverware of the season emerging as comfortable 3-1 winners which included a goal from Hernández who displayed the first glimpse of his penchant for improvisation in the process of scoring his first strike of the season. The little Mexican’s goal was sandwiched between efforts from Valencia and Berbatov.

August to October

P10, W5, D5, L0. GS:22 GC:12

The Premier League campaign for United kicked off on Monday 16^th August with a game against newly promoted Newcastle at Old Trafford. The home side ran out comfortable winners by three goals to nil with the night rounded off by a sublime Scholes assist leading to a fine Giggs finish which saw the Welshman maintain his incredible record of scoring in every Premier League season since its inception in 1992/93.

Scholes’ fine form continued at Craven Cottage the following weekend with a trademark strike from outside the box to give United the lead against Fulham. The Reds dropped their first points of the season in what was to become a worrying trend in the early weeks as a late Hangeland header drew the teams level after the Fulham defender had put through his own net just five minutes earlier. The frustration was further compounded by a Nani penalty miss which would have sealed the points with the score at 2-1.

A comfortable home win against West Ham followed which was notable only for Rooney’s first goal of the season from the penalty spot and a fine individual strike from Nani after cutting in from the right flank.

Matches at Goodison Park always have a habit of producing excitement and this season’s fixture was no different. After falling behind, United replied either side of half time with goals from Fletcher and Vidic before a casual but cultured Berbatov strike left United cruising as the game meandered into injury time. However, lapses in concentration allowed the Toffeemen to equalise and leave the away side with red faces as the stuttering start to the season continued.

Next up was the small matter of Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford who would come to be knocked off their perch by the season’s finale. After storming into a two goal lead courtesy of the languid Berbatov whose overhead kick for his second will live long in the memory, United’s habit of letting leads slip emerged once more as Gerrard brought the Scousers level. Scenes of extensive camera and badge kissing were quickly extinguished by the Bulgarian number 9 completing his hat trick with a second header to secure a much needed three points for the home side. The result heaped more pressure on then Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson who had begun his tenure at Anfield in patchy fashion and it ultimately led to his sacking in January ahead of the FA Cup meeting between these two sides.

Away draws followed against Bolton and Sunderland as United looked unconvincing on their travels against teams they would have swept past in previous campaigns. The malaise surrounding the club’s performances grew deeper with the team surrendering a two goal advantage at home against promoted West Brom who benefited from one of the only blunders from Van der Sar all season. These were to be the only dropped points at Old Trafford all season.

It was at this point in October that news started to filter out about Wayne Rooney’s apparent desire to leave the club. This was swiftly confirmed by Sir Alex in a captivating press conference where he attempted to explain the player’s motives for turning his back on the club. In everyone’s eyes it was a brilliant “performance” by the manager who heaped pressure on his wayward striker and made it clear that he was being badly advised. With the United faithful firmly behind the boss and the sentiments expressed, Rooney had a change of heart and returned to the negotiating table. In many fans eyes, he emerged somewhat fortuitously with a bumper new contract although it took some quality end of season performances to win round the favour of the fans who once idolised him.

The gloom engulfing the club was lifted further by the joy of a first away victory of the season at the Britannia Stadium where a new star appeared from the shadows to nudge United past the challenge of Stoke. Javier Hernández secured a brace on the day but it was his opener that will be fondly remembered and brought him firmly to the attention of the football watching public. After a corner had been headed back across goal by Vidic, the Mexican leapt up with his back to goal and managed to flick the ball towards goal in one swift motion. Replays proved beyond doubt that it was a tremendous piece of improvisation rather than luck as the timing of his jump was crucial to the eventual execution. The winner was a typical poacher’s goal from within the six yard box that sent the travelling army of fans home happy. This was also the game that proved why Gary Neville’s eventual retirement was a sound idea after he was caught struggling for pace numerous times and fortunate not to receive a red card.

October drew to a close with a game against Spurs at fortress Old Trafford. With Rafael keeping golden boy Gareth Bale quiet, it was left to Gomes in the away team goal to take the headlines after he gifted Nani the all important second goal after a Vidic header had put United in front. With the game still closely fought, Nani’s claims for a penalty were waved away by referee Clattenberg who gestured for the game to continue. Gomez clearly thought it was a free kick to Spurs and proceeded to put the ball down only for the Portuguese winger to fire the ball into an unguarded net. The inevitable Spurs protests failed to see the goal overturned and led to phone-in shows being deluged with calls from irate supporters still seething at the “goal that never was” by Mendes a few seasons back. Ironically, Mr Clattenberg was on duty that night also!

November to February

P17, W12, D4, L1. GS: 39 GC:13

The first league game in November saw the visit of Wolves to Old Trafford. The pre-match talk centred around the inclusion of Owen Hargreaves. Sadly for the former Bayern Munich midfielder, the much anticipated return lasted barely five minutes and he was never seen in a United shirt again. His replacement on the day, Bébé did not fare much better on the pitch as he faced the ignominy of being a substitute substituted after an erratic display. United managed to sneak the three points late on thanks to a Ji Sung Park strike.

Next up was the small matter of the Manchester derby at Eastlands but this occasion passed by relatively unnoticed due to the home side’s negative tactics as the game ended goalless and without incident.

Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground over the years both in league and cup competitions for United but after 75 minutes, the Reds found themselves two goals down after another insipid away performance. Thankfully, the much renowned never say die attitude that resonates from every section of the club shone through as goals from Macheda and Vidic claimed a share of the spoils.

A routine 2-0 home victory against Wigan followed soon after but was notable for the return to action of Wayne Rooney after his injury lay-off to a lukewarm reception from the Old Trafford faithful. Perhaps mindful of a negative reaction, the manager chose to introduce the Englishman at the same time as Paul Scholes to help to quell any disquiet. Wigan in the end were architects of their own downfall in many ways after being reduced to nine men. A rare Evra header was followed by a late Hernández one to secure the three points for the home side.

United’s biggest win of the season arrived shortly after, as Blackburn Rovers were steamrollered 7-1 thanks in the main to Berbatov’s five goals which equalled a Premier League record. It was a day when the home team were at their imperious best with Anderson standing out in midfield with accurate passing and driving runs that Blackburn had no answer to. The fourth goal that arrived shortly after half time will long be remembered as the team goal of the season. Berbatov picked up the ball in an unaccustomed position at left back and after swapping passes with Evra, pinged a glorious pass out wide to Nani who made his way towards the box before cutting the ball back to the on-rushing Bulgarian to fire home. The move was symptomatic of the flowing football displayed by the team that day.

Arsenal at home is always a pivotal match for United and a solid defensive display coupled with an instinctive Park header saw the Reds to victory against their arch rivals. The second half saw a missed penalty from Rooney as he struggled to regain full fitness and form. This malaise in his play was set to continue for a few matches yet.

Following Chelsea’s suspect decision to postpone their home fixture with United a full 24 hours before the game due to adverse weather conditions, the team had to wait until Boxing Day to return to league action where a dull two goal victory against Sunderland was achieved thanks to a Berbatov brace. A Midlands away double header then followed with a trip to Birmingham followed closely by a visit to the Hawthornes to take on West Brom as the New Year began. The trip to St Andrew’s saw a scrappy 1-1 draw played out with more frustration for United on their travels thanks to a late Bowyer equaliser. Rooney and Hernández struck a few days later to give the Reds three points against West Brom although the home side will count themselves unlucky not to pick up at least a point after missing a penalty and having claims for another after a suspect Gary Neville lunge.

Stoke City were the first visitors to Old Trafford in 2011 and went home with a narrow defeat after goals from Hernández and Nani. United managed to keep their unbeaten record in tact following a goalless draw at White Hart Lane which saw Rafael fall foul of Mike Dean’s yellow card on two occasions prompting an early bath for the feisty Brazilian. The match quickly lapsed into stalemate as both sides seemed happy to leave the game with a point in the bag.

Birmingham were duly dispatched 5-0 in late January which saw Berbatov’s third hat trick of the season. Incredibly, this meant the Bulgarian was on 17 goals at the half way stage. Unfortunately for United, he would only add three goals to that tally in the second half of the season.

United’s trip to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool brought yet another poor away display followed by a late rally to secure the points. Trailing 2-0 and with little sign of inspiration, the manager brought on a couple of renowned game-changers Giggs and Hernández and the picture rapidly altered. A Berbatov brace sandwiched by a Hernández clinical finish brought yet another Lazarus like recovery from this Manchester United side who were starting to feel that a record 19^th league title could be a possibility with their nearest rivals starting to self implode.

February dawned with a solid regulation 3-1 victory at home to Villa with Rooney returning to the goal trail and showing signs of finally getting into his stride once more.

The seemingly inevitable first defeat duly arrived when a visit to Wolves saw the home side emerge victorious. The omens were not looking favourable before the match started when Rio Ferdinand pulled up with a calf injury in the warm up that was to sideline him for 8 weeks. Despite Nani’s early strike, United looked lethargic and lacking in invention throughout as they tasted defeat in the league for the first time in 29 matches dating back to April 2010 against Chelsea.

The perfect way to bounce back presented itself the following Saturday with the magnitude of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The performance paled into apparent insignificance following a goal of such majesty to claim the three points by Rooney in the 79^th minute. The undisputed individual goal of the season came courtesy of a deflected Nani cross that saw Rooney launch an athletic bicycle kick that sailed past Hart in the City goal. It is easy to forget the quality of United’s opener from Nani just before half time as he collected a through ball from Giggs before slotting past the advancing Hart. Amazingly, it proved to be Nani’s last goal of the season as the “noisy neighbours” were put in their place. With Ferdinand absent, this was the game that saw Chris Smalling really come of age at the heart of the United defence as he demonstrated composure and class that belies his lack of experience at the top level.

The final game of February away at Wigan saw the start of a partnership that would ultimately drive the team towards their much coveted 19^th title. Rooney and Hernández contributed three in this game and a further nine in the remaining league games. The partnership blossomed to such an extent that it left the league’s leading scorer to sample life on the bench for much of the remainder of the season. Probably the best away performance followed the selection of these two together and the Reds left the DW Stadium with a 4-0 victory with Fábio adding the final goal in the last few minutes.

March to May

P11, W6, D2, L3. GS:13 GC:12

“Beware the ides of March” we are all told and so it came to pass for United as their title challenge faltered following successive away defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool. A fantastic first half display saw the Reds lead Chelsea by a goal at half time thanks to a fine Rooney strike and an all round energetic performance notable for Scholes and Carrick controlling midfield and dominating on the flanks. However, the second half was a complete reversal as the home side were galvanised by Luiz’s controlled volley and took control before taking the lead thanks to a Lampard penalty. The result meant that Chelsea were effectively back in the title race although some poor officiating from Martin Atkinson left a sour taste in the mouths of the United faithful at Stamford Bridge.

The following weekend saw a much anticipated trip to Anfield but the midfield was once more over run and a Kuyt hat trick put United to the sword. The match will be remembered by many for the dangerous studs-up challenge on Nani by Carragher that saw the Portuguese winger in tears at the assault committed. Although Nani was only out for a week, it could be argued that he was not the same player for the remainder of the season as coupled with Antonio Valencia’s return, he was switched out to the left wing and was noticeably less effective.

Valencia’s return to league action came in the home game against Bolton after a brief cameo versus Arsenal in the FA Cup the week before. A late Berbatov strike (a rare impact as substitute) got United back on track with a precious three points. Jonny Evans was given a red card for a dangerous tackle on Stuart Holden that made United’s strength in adversity all the more important.

There were echoes of Bloomfield Road once more for the Reds as they trailed West Ham by two goals at half time at Upton Park. In similar fashion, United stormed back to claim a vital three points as a rejuvenated Rooney struck three times (including one from the spot) and Hernández popped up late on to put the icing on the cake. Controversy is never far from Rooney’s door and so it proved once more at Upton Park as he swore down the lens of the television camera which led to an FA charge and a ludicrous two match ban that would rule him out of the FA Cup Semi Final against City.

A week later saw the visit of Fulham to Old Trafford and they were comfortably dispatched by first half goals from Berbatov and Valencia before the home side took their foot off the gas with tougher tests on the horizon. A disappointing midweek draw at Newcastle gave United’s title rivals fresh hope in a performance that lacked authority or the necessary invention to break down a stubborn Toon defence. This match followed the sub-standard display at Wembley against City that saw the team’s treble dream evaporate and put their opponents on the brink of ending their 35 year trophy drought.

Having experienced two goalless games, the nerves were out in force for United’s attack in the home game against Everton as the match drew closer to its conclusion. Fortunately, prayers were answered when Hernández, not for the first time, secured the three points late on with a salmon-like leap at the far post.

The least said about United’s trip to the Emirates Stadium the better as the away side slumped to their fourth, and thankfully final, defeat of the season. Neither side looked particularly threatening over the course of the game and post-match many United fans called into question the wisdom of abandoning the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation that has been so effective against the Gunners in recent years. As it was, a momentary lapse in concentration from Park who had just been moved to a central midfield position, left Ramsey free to fire past Van der Sar. A late penalty claim was turned down as Clichy caught Owen but it was not to be United’s day.

The penultimate game of United’s home campaign brought Chelsea to Old Trafford in the knowledge that if they could repeat last year’s victory at the Theatre of Dreams then they would be in a strong position to retain their league title. As it turned out, these hopes were effectively extinguished after just 34 seconds as Hernández was put clear on goal and nervelessly steered the ball past the advancing Cech. What followed was United’s most complete performance of the season as the Chelsea defence wilted under the pressure exerted by the likes of Park, Rooney, Valencia, Giggs and Carrick. In fact, the Ecuadorian gave Ashley Cole such a torrid time that it is hard to recollect another such time in the left back’s career. The relentless pressure told once more midway through the first half as Vidic surged past the Chelsea backline to power in a point blank header. Although, Lampard gave the away side hope with a smart finish in the second half, the home side continued to create a multitude of chances but as each one was squandered so the nerves grew. Chelsea knew only a win would realistically keep them in the hunt and they eventually ran out of both ideas and time. United now knew that a single point in their remaining two matches would see them finally knock their old rivals Liverpool off their perch to claim their historic 19^th league championship.

First up in their quest for the one remaining point required were Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. The home side had the audacity to shock the massed ranks of the away support as they took the lead and looked good value for it as Kuszczak in the United goal demonstrated perfectly why he will not be considered as Van der Sar’s replacement. His nervousness with the ball at his feet spread panic amongst a back line usually so composed under the guidance of the veteran Dutchman. In the end it was left to Rooney to secure the draw with a well taken penalty after Hernández was bundled over in the box by Robinson. The final ten minutes saw both sides happy to settle for a point as the ball was played around among United’s back line with barely a threat of forward progression. The final whistle blew and the scenes of jubilation that followed will live long in the memory as this alleged sub-standard squad celebrated their historic championship with the fans lucky enough to be present.

Going into the final league game at Old Trafford with the title secure, the only remaining goal was to see if the team could complete an almost perfect home record. Only West Brom had left the Reds fortress with anything other than a defeat. Unfortunately, a United victory consigned Blackpool to relegation after a season where they imposed their own brand of attacking football on the division but ultimately they conceded far too many to survive. Their spirit was amply demonstrated by having the impudence to take the lead at one point but hopes of saving themselves were dashed by Anderson, an own goal and a late Owen strike.

The club’s 19^th league title was presented after the game but not before Old Trafford had applauded Ian Holloway’s gallant battlers from the field in a sign of class from those in attendance sympathetic to the plight of a fine football team. Nemanja Vidic lifted the trophy and started the celebrations in earnest as the players wives and children joined in the party on the pitch.

The season was to end on a sour note with the defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League but there was no disgrace in coming off second best to one of the best sides of all time. Despite this disappointment, it was never going to take the gloss off a remarkable season that has seen Sir Alex Ferguson navigate his way through the congested fixture list with wonderful imagination and bravery in terms of squad rotation. The challenge as ever is how to remain on top next season and plans are already under way with rumours flying around about transfer dealings at the club. As well as players coming in to strengthen the squad, there will be inevitable departures too with the likes of Neville, Van der Sar and Scholes retiring and question marks about the futures of a number of others. Whatever happens, United will rise again next season in the face of renewed challenges from the usual rivals as they look to retain their league trophy and conquer Europe once more.

You can follow James on Twitter @writtenoff_mufc for updates, news and general Manchester United information.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit to being second best.It’s not something Sir Alex Ferguson is used to doing but Saturday night was an occasion when the great man had to do just that. Barcelona were just too good for Rooney and co. Simple as that.

Barca pass the ball with a composure and intent which others seek to emulate but are unable to achieve. On Saturday night Barca completed 777 passes, more than double Manchester United’s 357. Xavi, the grand orchestrator of the ensemble, found his teammates with 148 passes and had a pass completion percentage of 95%. Although it’s not just their ability with the ball that is astounding. They press and harry like a pack of hungry wolves, forcing the opposition into mistakes. Then when the ball is in their possession, the attackers interchange roles with a fluidity that leaves opposition defenders punch drunk.

Manchester United could have been at their very best on Saturday and would still have lost. In fact I’d argue that if Ferguson could have named a team consisting of the best players he has coached during his time at Old Trafford he would still have returned home empty handed. Big call I know considering the likes of Ronaldo and Keane have pulled on the red jersey but I believe Barca are that good. They are simply irresistible and unfortunately for United and the rest of Europe’s elite it looks as though their desire for trophies is not going to wane any time soon.

It must be noted that certain Man United players just did not turn up for the big occasion and Dimitar Berbatov literally didn’t. The Bulgarian forward, one of the most technically gifted attackers of his generation, has the ability to enthral yet seems to annoy a significant section of the United support. The Premier League’s joint top goal scorer’s omission from the substitute bench for Michael Owen was the footballing equivalent of a low blow, confirming that Ferguson has lost all faith in his record signing to deliver the goods on the big stage.

Certain United players had a bad day at the office. Having terrorised arguably the world’s best left back Ashley Cole only a couple of weeks ago, Antonio Valencia looked more Wigan than Man United level on Saturday as he clattered around the pitch like a bull chasing the red flag of the Spanish matadors. Moreover, Ryan Giggs seemed as though he had made yet another trip to the Fountain of Youth, only to find it was empty. The 37 year old laboured around Wembley’s hallowed turf, unable to cope with the quick tempo set by the footballing world’s greatest double act, Xavi and Iniesta.

Prodigious talent Morrison will undergo domestic violence counselling in the near future.

This summer could well be a defining couple of months for the Premier League as the top clubs look to strengthen. United need to improve their midfield options although Ferguson will hope that Anderson begins to fulfil his potential and blossom into one of the world’s best central midfielders. Carrick, a player with a superb range of passing and excellent football brain, unfortunately does not offer enough in the final third and the arrival of a true attacking play maker such as Sneijder or Modric could be the final piece of the jigsaw.

In addition, Ferguson would be wise to look within the inner sanctums of Old Trafford for help as the impressive Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison seem to have the ability required to make it at the top level, although Morrison’s bad boy lifestyle does himself or the club no favours at all.

United need not smash the panic button as they were beaten on Saturday by a team many consider to be the best ever. This season will still be remembered for years to come by United fans as they managed to eclipse Liverpool’s league trophy haul with number nineteen. It will take every ounce of Ferguson’s nous for United to be lifting title number 20 at the end of next season but the Champion’s League could well be a step too far as the Barcelona era of dominance looks likely to continue for some time yet.

By Daryn MacRae – http://stayonurfeet.wordpress.com/

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The obituaries being written about Manchester United’s OAPs for the last five years are now finally relevant. Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar have retired, Paul Scholes might have by the time you read this article and Ryan Giggs is holding back the development of younger players with more long-term value to the club.

Add that to the expected departures of Tomasz Kuszczak, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen (and / or Dimitar Berbatov) plus the need to push out younger players with no future at the club, and you have an expected 9-10 exits from the club this summer. These players will need to be replaced, from the youth team as well as through new signings.

Despite the heart-breaking numbers of Manchester United’s debt and interest payments, the new owners have also brought a windfall in commercial revenue and Ferguson will have significant transfer funds available to him if he deems it necessary to buy talent.

The first thing Ferguson needs to do is to sit down with his staff (or in a room by himself and a bottle of wine) and select the United side for next year’s Champions League final. Simply put, if United were to face Barcelona again in the 2011/2012 Champions League final, which of the current United players would Ferguson pick for the starting XI (and the bench)?

Players not fit to fight for the Champions League final next year, or players lacking the potential to develop into future stars – these need to leave this summer. The only caveat is that squad players that are essential for winning the domestic league can stay, provided that they are delivering more value to the team than the money they are being paid.

If Barcelona have become the benchmark against which every team is measured, United, a team unsatisfied with being second-best, must find the tactics and personnel to beat them. It is time for United to knock Barcelona off their perch, and that starts with rebuilding the current squad.

If you look at the current Manchester United squad in this light, especially the starting XI from Saturday’s final, only Rooney, Carrick, Ferdinand and Vidic would be sure starters. United will need a new keeper regardless, while Fabio has much to do to prove his worth as a starting option (although he has enough value to the club as a long-term option), and Evra, while still an important player, needs a successor who is more positionally aware and defensively sound than the French left-back.

Valencia, Park and Hernandez would make the bench at best in an ideal United side for next season, but each offers plenty of value to the squad (similar to Evra), while Giggs in my books, value or not, should not be near the 18 players making up the matchday squad for the next final.

That is a remarkable challenge that Ferguson and the United players face. Ferguson now has another year to develop his current players to the levels required to beat Barcelona, and also to bring in new players that can play at those levels and fit in with his philosophy (hopefully with better tactics).

Ferguson has spoken about the need for United and other top teams in Europe to catch up to Barcelona. He’s right about football teams moving in cycles – Manchester United’s were themselves overtaken by Arsenal, who were then overtaken by Chelsea, before United fought back and has, to the dismay of many observers, stood firm in the face of strong challenges from Liverpool (another cycle), Chelsea and Arsenal in the last five years.

But if we’re talking about cycles, Ferguson knows as much as anyone else the value of knowing what to aim for. The days of asking players to give their absolute best at half-time are long gone, Manchester United are effective enough in the Premier League and the initial stages of the Champions League by being brutally consistent, but to overtake (or catch up to) Barcelona they will either need to retool the team or develop an effective plan B that wins them games not just against Barcelona but at times, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

This new cycle for United must start now. United have learned to bypass their midfield completely in the last five years but that cannot continue forever. This summer they will play a friendly against Barcelona in the US, a nonsense game that will nevertheless show what United have learned tactically (if anything, they should learn to press more and play as a more compact unit). This summer they will also embark on a substantial revamp of the playing squad, both in personnel and in expectations as young players are pushed to take on more responsibility.

Quite a few potential transfer targets have been mooted – but idle speculation does us no good. David De Gea and Raphael Varane are the only two players who are in advanced discussions and close to signing, while United only have Liverpool as competition for Ashley Young. Whoever else Ferguson signs will be based on the players leaving the club, and it might be that a central midfielder like Modric or Rodwell or even Nasri, and a striker (no clues but if Berbatov goes there will be a signing required) will also be coming in alongside these 2/3 players.

New signings will need to fit the team’s tactical outlook for the next five years, and have to be balanced alongside the promotion of youth / reserve players such as Cleverly and the sending out on loan of players in need of match experience. Ferguson must decide on the long-term future of Nani and Evans. Both are talented, both are also exceedingly frustrating. United’s experiments with Evans and Smalling in the left and right fullback positions were promising enough to suggest that Evans might be more at home on the left as a backup for Evra.

With Nani, Ferguson should either give him more responsibility (ahead of the likes of Giggs, Park, Valencia and Hernandez), or consider cashing in on him in an year where his stock is at it’s highest since his arrival at Old Trafford. Fergie typically sells late, so Nani is unlikely to go until he’s become completely expendable.

Manchester United will survive this ‘hiding’ from Barcelona, but they must work hard to make sure this doesn’t happen a third time, and equally important, they need to start preparing the team for the next Champions League final, just as Ferguson prepares his team for winning the league title each season. The challenge for Ferguson is to pick the right tactics and the right players, and he has an year, not a couple of weeks, to plan for it.

Part 1: United In Character: The Good And Bad Of Ferguson’s Manchester Reign

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

As Manchester United parade their 19th league title, the rain-soaked celebrations are an appropriate metaphor for the 2010/2011 season.

On one hand, they’ve won their 19th league title (12th under Ferguson), a title United fans wanted more than the Champions League for the last two years, and a title they’ve richly deserved. To put this title win into perspective, Chelsea won the league title last season with just 1 point – one goal conceded or one chance gone begging that that turned a win into a draw and pushed United to second place. In stark contrast, United won this year by 9 points – a clear margin of 3 wins more than any other team.

On the other hand, Saturday’s loss to Barcelona a rude slap, a bucket of cold water thrown over this season’s celebrations, and a performance that left United fans (and players) feeling hollow and numb. The pain of United’s second defeat in three years to the same team, in the same manner, was only alleviated by the brilliance of the three goals created by Barcelona. After all, if you let them play, they will tear you apart. Again.

But that is in the past. Barcelona have their 4th Champions League trophy (their second under Guardiola), their third consecutive league title and Manchester United have their much-sought-after 19th league title. All eyes must focus on the future, on the next two months as United brace themselves for a squad revamp, a summer tour to the US (where they play…Barcelona) and another season with Ferguson at the helm.

I’ll leave it to ROM and Zonal Marking to analyse the final, let’s look at United’s future. In a two-part feature, you’ll read about how how Sir Alex Ferguson influences the club (below), and later on, what United need to do in this year’s summer transfer window.

Ferguson’s Manchester United

It’s always been the club over any single player, and by that extension, the manager over any single player as well. You don’t argue with a man who has lasted 25 years at one of the best football clubs in the world and won an astounding 12 league titles in the process. He has more trophies than several ‘legendary’ managers combined. If you ask me who’s knocked Liverpool off their perch, it is Sir Alex Ferguson. He has moulded the club in his own personality over the last two decades and the consistency, never-say-die attitude and a relentless desire to win has been evident in the club throughout the years (see a previous article on Ferguson’s impact on Manchester United’s playing style).

But you also need to acknowledge the good with the bad. And as much you herald Ferguson’s man-management skills and his brilliant football brain, you also have to question some of his policies and tactics.

Team v Individuals

An obsession with control over his team’s fortunes means that Ferguson will always prioritise the team over a single individual. This has manifested itself in several ‘conflicts’ with star players at the club (the latest being his decision to marginalise Berbatov), but perhaps more importantly it is his focus on developing players for the team as opposed to helping them fulfill their natural talents.

In the last 10 years Ferguson has built his teams around three individuals, forcing everyone else to adapt to the system to such an extent that arguably very talented footballers who would have been good for United given more playing time at a young age have been somewhat frittered away.

When Ferguson built his team around Ruud van Nistelrooy, it was Diego Forlan, given a bit-part role where he needed consistency, endure a torrid time at Old Trafford. When Ferguson built his team around Cristiano Ronaldo, not only was Ruud jettisoned but the likes of Nani and Anderson, brought the season after United won their first league title in four years, got precious little playing time on the pitch as Ferguson time and time again returned to experience moulded to his team’s values instead of allowing youth the time to develop. It was as if you could only succeed at United if you sacrificed yourself for the team – character has always been ahead of footballing ability for Ferguson.

And now, as he builds (and rebuilds) his side around Wayne Rooney, there’s another crop of players young and old who will be marginalised. We’ve spoken of Dimitar Berbatov above, but you can put Michael Carrick in the same category. Carrick, a player who cannot play alongside Scholes (because Scholes is then the director and Carrick’s main strength – his dual ability to pass and intercept passes – is wasted) and yet is often asked to play second fiddle to the fading master. Carrick, a player who won United their first of four league titles in five years, just like Berbatov has been crucial for this year’s title.

And then there is the case of Fabio and Rafael, partially delayed by injury, and then by the likes of O’Shea and Patrice Evra ahead of them, and now while they are sufficiently talented to play for United, they haven’t gained the experience they should have in their years at the club, and will take another year or so to develop into safe first-team choices.

The most damaging outcome of Ferguson’s selection process has been the stunted progress of Anderson, and to some extent, Nani as well. While Nani has developed well he, like Berbatov, continues to be marginalised by players who are supposedly better at playing ‘for the team’. It’s a valid argument but it also begs the question – why sign Nani if he’s not going to be a regular starter at the club? Why not give the player sufficient experience – wherever that maybe – to develop to his potential if you’ve spent money on signing him?

Anderson though is a different story – several years at the club and his lack of positional sense – first exposed in a Champions League away game against Roma – meant that he rarely got a chance ahead of other players, and then injuries played their part as well. He’s now shown that he can score goals too, but the kid is frustratingly talented and yet not given the requisite match time at the right age and stage of his development to improve his mental aspect of the game.

Now this isn’t a whinge against Ferguson – United have, after all, just won their 4th league title in 5 years (after winning it twice in the preceding 5 years), played in 3 Champions League finals in 4 years and are inarguably the best English club of the last two decades. And this success has been built on attacking, aggressive football, focusing on clinically dismantling the opposition.

But there is a human cost of this success too, and it manifests itself in the unfulfilled potential of many of the players that passed through United in the last decade as Ferguson increasingly turned to experience and mental strength over potential talent and ability.

Learning From Tactical Mistakes

Calling Ferguson a non-tactical manager is a deeply flawed claim. It ignores the fact that this manager has, over the last decade, lost to and then adapted to beat his closest rivals – this includes Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Manchester City. But there is also the undeniable fact that Manchester United lost twice to Barcelona using the same tactics – tactics that United are not built to execute to perfection, tactics that, if a single mistake is made, can be ruthlessly exploited by an opposition as skilled as Barcelona.

Where United needed to press, they stood off. Where United needed to stifle Barcelona’s central spine of Valdes, Pique, Busquets and Messi, they gave them space to play their game. Where United needed to take their limited chances, they fluffed them.

Effectively, United lost the battle not in Rome or London but in Manchester, when they trained to play in a way not suited to toppling the opposition. This was a case where United did not adapt, as they have been so good at doing over the last two decades. And it brings home a glaring statistic – where United have been majestic in the league (12 league titles in less than 20 years), they have been strangely unequipped to compete in Europe.

After 2006, Ferguson made a concerted change to United’s tactical approach and that has brought the club consistent success and progress to the final stages, and yes, United have been unlucky to face the best team in world football twice, but you still feel that this team would have learned from Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, and their own performances of 07/08 and 08/09, and tackled Barcelona differently. Especially since they were more of a ‘team’ this season than in recent years.

But they didn’t, and it just might be that Ferguson, while supremely capable of masterminding sustained domination of league competitions and two-legged knock out ties, still needs help when it comes to one-off tactical battles where the team needs to be able to change gears and approaches quickly. He is the king of consistency and soaking up pressure over several seasons, pressure that has seriously affected the health of a young manager like Guardiola. However, in a 90 minutes tactical battle with little prior exposure and no second chances, Ferguson can be bested (and has been several times over his career).

Quite a few fans have spoken about bringing in someone like Carlos Queiroz, but whoever comes in must be able to work with the players on tactics long before they get to the Champions League final. It needs to be someone new, someone with fresh ideas and a modern, fanatical, obsessive approach to winning matches. Maybe the next Villas Boas or the next Guardiola.

Whoever it is, he will be as important to the team as the players United must sign this summer to challenge Barcelona again next season. And as Sir Alex Ferguson plots another title winning season, he knows more than anyone else that he must adapt again to keep Manchester United at the top of the footballing ladder.

Part Two: What Manchester United Must Do To Knock Barcelona Off Their Perch

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Stephen O’Sullivan points out that if you’re playing the best team in the world, it’s never a good idea to make it easy for them.

The Manchester United players and staff queued up last night to hail Barcelona as, amongst other things, the best team they’d ever seen; Rio Ferdinand (“they were the deserving winners”), Nemanja Vidic (“we have never played against a team like Barcelona”), even Alex Ferguson himself (“I think it is the best team we have ever played”), all going on record praising their conquerors. It’s little wonder Dani Alves repeatedly called United “caballeros” (gentlemen)  on Spanish TV afterwards. Of course it’s all true, to an extent, but it would be a huge mistake for United to completely free themselves of responsibility for what happened last night. What you would hope will haunt United’s players over their summer holidays, will be that they gave Barca all the help they possibly could.

All three goals came from individual errors. Patrice Evra and Antonio Valencia didn’t even look like professional footballers. Edwin Van Der Sar was strangely panicky from kick off, and seemingly some heads were gone before the game even began –  maybe even Alex Ferguson’s. Like the disastrous Bayern Munich game in Old Trafford last season, Ferguson froze when things started going wrong. The image that night, of him and Mike Phelan staring silently at the match after Robben had made it 3-2, was a powerful one. As heads were going at 2-1 last night, Ferguson cut a similar figure, and brought on Nani and Paul Scholes far too late to make a difference. The worst of all their failings last night, was that United essentially gave up after the third goal, a shocking reaction from a team whose self-belief so often defines them.

That all said, nothing happens on a football pitch without a reason. United gave up because they were mesmerised, rocked and depressed; not just by Barcelona’s ball retention, but their constant threat. Valencia was dreadful presumably because the occasion got to him, but it’s not his fault Ferguson left him on the pitch. As for the goals, Evra was unforgivably out of position for Barcelona’s first because he’s been like that all season and needs to get his head together. Van Der Sar got his feet dreadfully wrong and was beaten by a shot straight down the middle of his goal, because his defence froze and gifted Lionel Messi a shot the Dutchman wouldn’t have expected. For the third, United won the ball back and then helpfully returned it inside their own box because their heads were gone, Barca had reduced them to panic.

So, yes, all individual errors, but largely caused by being faced with a team of genius. Under near constant mental stress, individual United players cracked. I’ve written before about the myth that United were taken apart in Rome two years ago. This time there’s no doubt: Barcelona controlled, dominated, mesmerised, whereas the English champions were awful.

In a way we should be grateful for Barcelona. We’re all getting to see a truly great team, likely the best ever, and despite their occasionally nefarious tactics, they play football in the right way. Remember, it was less than ten years ago that the likes of Porto and Liverpool were winning the Champions League, Greece winning the Euros, a desperately poor Brazil team winning the 2002 World Cup. The game was crying out for a real team to step forward, and now it’s happened with Barcelona and Barcelona B (or the Spain national team as it’s also known).

Greatness in sport should be admired, and we should always feel privileged to witness it. It’s also pleasing that Barca’s complete dominance has nothing to do with tactics, a topic that is getting increasing and ridiculous emphasis in modern football analysis: Barca are the best because they work harder than everyone else and are better on the ball than everyone else. It’s that simple and that complicated.

Still, I can’t help feel like I did when Roger Federer was dominating tennis a few years ago: he was so much better than everyone else, it removed all interest from the sport for me. I think everyone, probably even an ABU, would be happier this morning if United hadn’t gifted Barcelona so much and had given them more of a match.

The question turns to how exactly someone is going to stop them. For United, who along with Real Madrid are the team with most chance of doing it, it seems simply a matter of players. Carrick did the best he could last night, but United (and almost every other team in the Premiership for that matter) don’t have a midfielder with the moral courage to keep showing for the ball and take the responsibility for moving his team up the pitch. United dominated the first ten minutes, also had a lot of half-opportunities in the final twenty minutes, but that’s all they were: half-opportunities. They didn’t have the aforementioned midfielder or the guy with enough cuteness in the final third to hurt a Barcelona defence clearly uncomfortable under pressure.

Unfortunately, Alex Ferguson mused after the game about whether it was possible to find players like Messi, Iniesta (who was nothing short of astonishing) and Xavi and concluded wearily, “Probably not.” That’s the issue for everyone else. There aren’t players like those three anywhere. He also acknowledged Barcelona as the best team he’s ever faced with the proviso that “success goes in cycles”. Frank Rijkaard’s superb Barcelona team caught Galactico disease a few years back, it’s possible this one will too. Though, I somehow doubt it.

So what’s there to conclude? Certainly, we should celebrate Barcelona and all the good things they represent, but there were two sides to the equation last night: United’s poor things, Barca’s good things. United couldn’t get the ball because Barcelona play with telepathic precision and the calmest heads in world football, but United didn’t work hard enough or track their players. United couldn’t hurt them in possession because Barcelona worked and pressed constantly, but then again United were careless and panicky. Barcelona scored because of individual mistakes as much as their own precise finishing.

In fact, United’s only source of solace is that Wayne Rooney’s goal was the best of the night, caused by incision and ruthlessness; thinking and acting faster than their opponents. Also, the most astonishing moment of the match, for me, was Vidic’s near-impossible dispossession of Messi in the United box first half when a goal seemed certain.

Football’s a beautiful, simple game: control the ball when you have it, work hard when you don’t. That’s what Barcelona do. And if someone wants to beat them, they’ll have to start by removing all the poor things from the equation.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It is being billed as potentially the ‘best’ Champions League Final in the last decade by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who will be hoping to avenge a Barcelona side that seemingly eased to victory in the 2009 final.

Today’s event will be watched from all four corners of the world as its top two club sides go head to head in a battle of skill, flair, efficiency and pride. It was Barcelona who became rulers of their continent in the eternal city of Rome in 2009 – a fitting venue for a gladiatorial clash. Now ‘football has come home’ to Wembley Stadium and again, how fitting that two of the best at playing attractive brands of football are to mark the occasion.

Both managers have been speaking ahead of the game with Barca’s Pep Guardiola’s future being shrouded into doubt by club legend Johann Cruyff.

“Guardiola has put in a lot of hard work in the past few years and it would not surprise me if he decides to leave Barcelona after the Champions League final, regardless of the outcome of the match” Cruyff told the Daily Telegraph.

“If he decides to leave, it would only be because it is very difficult to deal with the heavy pressure for such a long time. That is why I think this could be his last year, but he will not have any problems in finding a new team.”

In his pre-match press conference yesterday evening, Pep was keen to avoid such questioning on the matter.

“Today is not the day to talk about that (his future).We have worked an enormous amount of time to get here and overcome many difficulties. It is a privilege to be here, so let’s not talk about anything else. Leaving? Let’s leave that for another time.”

Instead and rightfully so, the Blaugrana master emphasised the need to focus on the 7:45pm kick-off come tonight, where they will have a duty to put on a show for the watching eyes of the world.

Interestingly he stated that he felt his side were complacent in Rome two years ago and cannot afford a repeat of that performance this time around.

“We have the audience of the world and we have to show we deserve this credit of ‘the final of the decade’. When you play in a final and both teams want to win and both want to play, for the rest of the world it will be a good final.”

“They have their strength, we have our skill, and we have to see who controls the situation best. If we play as we did in Rome, this time we won’t win. We played worse in Rome than we wanted to. We need to play much better than in 2009 and this is the thing I’ve told my players over the past couple of days.“

As for the United camp, Sir Alex Ferguson was unsurprisingly focused in his pre-match briefing whilst  teasing the on looking press with a hint at what may be on offer tonight .

“This could be the best final of this coming decade.”  he said.

It is evident that United want to portray their attacking qualities whilst being diligent and efficient.

The manager recalled his disappointment of losing the final two years prior but states there is no desire for revenge over their opponents, instead calling for focus from his players.

“We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn’t a matter of revenge it is about our own personal pride. We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. I think we maybe made one or two mistakes last time but not this time.”

“The success of both clubs over the last decade has been enormous. For my players now, it’s simple. They have to trust themselves and each other.  I certainly trust them and they will do their job right. They are a great side but we have to focus on ourselves. We have the players to do it and the attacking players we need on show will be there.”

United picked up their first European Cup at Wembley back in 1968 and the Scotsman was feeling nostalgic to be contesting back at the famous ground.

“I think this is a symbol of English football. It’s the right stage for this game. When you are at Wembley, it gives you a certain awareness that it is a big game and I quite like big games. There are none bigger than a European final.”

Stay tuned to Soccerlens for all your Champions League digestion throughout the day.

Follow Ross on Twitter: @RossMackiewicz

From Soccerlens.com - Football News