United Man of the Match: Really not to many candidates to chose from but I'll give it to Ronaldo. He put out a good effort chasing balls, trying to makes something happen. He also was responsible for all of United's best chances (most of them coming in the first nine minutes). Ronaldo played with heart today, something you don't always see from him. In a game that was no doubt frustrating for him, he stayed on his feet, kept fighting for lose balls to the last second, and put in a class effort.
Deserving Champions: No matter what I can say about how United has played in the build up to this match or through out the rest of the season, Barcelona proved they are the best team in Europe. All season United have not been dominated in they were against Barcelona who's passing was exceptional. They made a strong United back four look average, they tore apart the United midfield and they even managed to set up Lionel Messi of all people for a headed goal. So credit to Barcelona on a very complete display of football.
Midfield Disappeared: Giggs, Anderson and Carrick were absolute non factors against Barcelona. The clever passing of Xavi and Iniesta left the trio mindless ball watching as Barcelona walked all over them. They gave the central players of Barcelona too much space on the ball in the middle of the park, especially when the likes of Xavi and Messi are the ones shooting from distance. Fletcher's absence really hurt United, in the same way United were exposed against Liverpool when Fletcher didn't play, United were exposed against Barcelona. In the end I think it was Barcelona's dominance over the Man. United midfield that made this game look so easy from their standpoint.
Uncomfortable: Usually United look very confident on the ball, but aside from the first nine minutes against Barcelona, a lot of players look very uncomfortable on the ball. Players were throwing the ball away on their first touch, many of them looked like they didn't want the ball, they would dish it off at the first opportunity. Maybe it was good Barcelona pressure, maybe it was under-confidence, maybe it was just poor play. Either way Barcelona capitalized on these give aways, and uncertainty on the ball, leading to countless counterattacks and chances.
Sir Alex's Selection: The line up he put out was what most people were expecting. The only change I would have made, something I had been suggesting all week, would have been putting Scholes in the midfield over Giggs. I think he would have helped United's counter attack, helped settle down the midfield, and possible provide more cover for the back four.
Player Ratings:
Van Der Sar - 6
O'Shea - 7
Vidic - 6
Ferdinand - 5
Evra - 6
Carrick - 4
Anderson - 4
Giggs - 4
Rooney - 5
Ronaldo - 7
Park - 6
Subs:
Tevez - 6
Berbatov - 5
Scholes - 5
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