Manchester United and Barcelona return to the site where they first won the world's most prestigious club trophy as Nike sponsored teams continue to dominate the richest competition in club football.
Whilst many say United must forget about what happened in Rome against Barca two years ago, I think they need to rewind the tape, take a close look at it and make sure that lightning doesn't strike twice on the same spot. Failing to plan is planning to fail but many won’t blame Ferguson for negligence and poor planning if lightning does strike twice because the current Barcelona side is near perfect.
I disagree with those who say United are a better team without CR7. They lacked a genuine challenge on the title race and had a relatively easy ride to Wembley. His departure might have paved a way for a better atmosphere in the dressing room buoyed the mood of the team.
As generals wouldn't go to battle without a plan, Pep and Fergie are not expected to temper with their winning teams, they might stick to the 'don't fix what’s not broken' saying. Defensively, van der Sar gives Devils the edge but the battle will be decided on the middle of the park. In as much as United has to attack Barca, they need to keep the game closed, they must make sure they have enough men behind the behind the ball the moment they lose possession.
The 1st thing United has to do to keep the game under control is avoid Barca from taking the lead. The moment they do so, the Xavi driven team will do what they do best; parade their 'pass them to death football.' For his breath-taking 50 yard passes from the 'Pirlo role', Scholes might be United's impact player on a game like this. Anywhere, Carrick and Giggs' passing is excellent enough to utilise their best weapon; speed and urgency upfront. They might benefit in playing balls behind the Barca defence, turn the defenders towards their goal by sending in quick tricky crosses between Valdes and his defenders. Valencia has to attack Puyol and Park keep Alves pinned at the back. United has to score 1st, Barca will throw more men upfront then United will have make the full use of their speed and the width of the ground.
I have observed something in such games, teams dominating play against Barca in the 1st 10 min which leads to Barca committing fouls which goes unpunished. Trouble starts when Barca gets into 1st gear, gets kicked and the opponents gets punished.
Barca is a special team that needs special treatment. The Blaugrana juggernaut will squeeze life out of United if they don't strengthen their midfield that must protect their defence. They have mastered the art of keeping possession as never seen before. Their movement on and off the ball in the final 3rd is 2nd to none. The perfect scenario for this game is Barca failing to take an early lead because on that they will put United on their conveyer belt and they won't get off it.
Edwin van der Sar must make sure his last game ends in style unlike another Hans Vonk who saw his blunder losing Ajax Cape Town the title on his last day. Pep knows that a team of United's pedigree can't be taken lightly especially in a game of this magnitude. Fergie is wise and old enough to have learned from the Catalans' masterpiece in Rome. Giggs is experienced and strong enough to remain focussed amid Liberal Democrat MP's Twitter allegations of that he tried to prevent the publication of an affair he had with a former reality TV star but that remains a story for another day.
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