The 2011 Champions League has got the final it deserves and Barcelona versus Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday should be terrific.
Having established themselves as the two standout performers in Europe over the past four seasons, this will be United’s third final appearance and Barca’s second in that time, the latest renewal promises to be the best yet and there are match-winners everywhere you look.
The Catalan giants, on the back of securing their third straight La Liga title, enter the match quite rightly as favourites and it is going to take an almighty effort form the English champions to prevent their opponents landing their fourth European Cup. United themselves are looking to add to their three successes in club football’s premier competition however and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side should not be underestimated.
Much of the build up to Saturday’s encounter has centred on the last time this pair met in the showpiece. In 2009 Pep Guardiola’s team ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi on target, but it should be not be forgotten that United prevailed over two legs 12 months prior to that in the last four, before beating Chelsea in Moscow, and I think the sides are fairly evenly matched.
The focus for United will be on stopping Lionel Messi and they can take inspiration from Arsenal’s gritty display at The Emirates in the last 16 when the Gunners triumphed 2-1 before succumbing at the Camp Nou. Michael Carrick has flourished alongside Ryan Giggs in a central role of late and, having outplayed Chelsea three times in the previous month, Sir Alex will be confident that the little Argentinean can be shackled effectively.
Barca, of course, have much more about them than simply Messi’s magic but United’s performances this season in the Champions League have been terrific and they have qualified for the final with the minimum of fuss.
Unbeaten in 12 matches, the Red Devils’ strength lies in their organisational skills and the form and fitness of both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in recent weeks has been key. They have players capable of the sublime going forward too, however, and perhaps this is finally the match when Wayne Rooney proves he is among the world’s best.
Rooney has flattered to deceive on several occasions when it matters most, for both club and country, but his newly formed partnership with Javier Hernandez in attack has brought out the best in him and I think United can push Barcelona all the way.
At a little over 2.00 to win inside 90 minutes, I think the Spaniards can be taken on and, on home soil, I believe United can lift the trophy. They are certainly the value, and it could be another special night for Sir Alex and his players on the biggest stage of all.
2pts Lay Barcelona (vs. Man Utd) @ 2.00 (Betfair)