ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 05/18/2009

I have no interest in the statistics. If I loved numbers I would have become a mathematician, or Carol Vorderman. I love football and I lament that on Saturday we did not see a great game of it. No matter, for only the fifth time in English football history a team has completed a hat-trick of national championships. This latest team of Alex Ferguson's, despite its lack of consistent flair, must now be placed alongside the greatest the nation has produced.

Many of you will see the numerical reality of matching Liverpool's championship victories as a reason to gloat and stoke fires that already burn brightly. That would be wrong. We have endured terrible abuse from our Liverpudlian cousins, in the case of many of us - for the duration of lives. Certainly, after their victory at Old Trafford the vitriol was as horrendous as I can remember.

Two wrongs don't make a right guys. Now, and in the future, we must rise above that kind of behaviour. I did not become a football fan to exchange insults over Munich and Hillsborough. I did not become a football fan to increase the miseries of others. I became a fan of this game because of the connections it helps me share with my family and friends and because I derive inexplicable pleasure from the ungovernable beauty this game can produce.

United's star is flying high now, perhaps the highest it has in our history, but eventually all empires will crumble. There will be lean times in the future and displaying grace in victory now, will bode well for the times to come.

Enjoy this for what it is: a tremendous title victory by a good team with some great players. Despite the ramblings of Benitez, a team that can swat aside every opposition attack for fourteen fixtures and win twenty seven games in a season categorically deserves to be champions.

The game on Saturday, as I expected, was a far nervier affair than desirable. We were more than fortunate to get three points from Wigan and Arsenal, in fairness, outplayed us for large parts of the game. It is the last thing he would want, but Wenger has my sympathy. He has been booed by his own fans this term despite being the most successful manager in their history. I am not at all surprised to read this morning that he is tempted by the advances of Real Madrid.

Attention now shifts to the final against Barcelona in Rome after this most arduous of league campaigns. I am terribly sorry Mr. Shearer, but we will not be fielding our strongest team against Hull next week. See you on the sofa again next season.

Barcelona have been massively underrated by the British press this term and the game will be a gauntlet of danger. I shall post my expected line-up this week, in the meantime please e-mail me your thoughts on team selection.

United are Champions of England once more. We have a duty as fans to behave with a bit of class over the next few months. Enjoy the victory, but not at the expense of others.

Cheers.

Comments

Posted by Hasdeynet on 05/18/2009

Manchester United Champions of England and world...

Posted by Lot on 05/18/2009

Mark, I could not have agree more with what you had said. Look at players like Giggs and Scholes, they are winners of so many medals, yet behave like ordinary footballers, without any air. That's what all the supporters and fans of this great club should learn.

As for the line-up, I have a feeling SAF might use the Fab Four right from the start to take advantage of the lack of natural full backs (due to suspension) for Barca. So with four attacking players, he would use probably Carrick and Scholes to hold the midfield (with Anderson coming in as sub later for the latter). The defenders would be Rio, Vidic, Evra and O'shea.

When we have gotten the required goals, Park will replace Tevez to defend the lead and also as a reward for Park's display in the semi.

Posted by Biggusdog on 05/18/2009

True words indeed about and hopefully all the Liverpool fans who flock to Man Utd blogs (they do not pay any attention to their own write-ups) will heed them too.

I like the line up that Lot indicated..sounds like a plan.

Some paper called Benitez the Spanish Tactician. I would just like to point out that the last person with that title was Phillip II of Spain...he led the Spanish Armada.

Posted by Lan on 05/18/2009

I agree that Barca have been underestimated. They may not have Abidal, Marquez or Alves (a limited defender), but I feel that Henry holds the key.
Messi is the threat everyone will concentrate on, but Henry is still dangerous and is a proven performer in the English game. Messi didn't cope well against Chelsea.

Tevez should start the match. I think Anderson should start and Scholes sub in later, as we should use players that play in Barca's face. Chelsea were effective in reducing the time Barca had on the ball, which reduced Messi's influence.

Other than that, I agree with Lot's team.
I think the use of Rooney on the left this term reflects poorly on Nani. He has not played well. It will be interesting to see how Tosic fares next season.

Posted by the_brudderz on 05/18/2009

United's Champions League Line up
GK- Edwin van der Sar
RB- John O'Shea
LB- Patrice Evra
CB- Rio Ferdinand
CB- Nemanja Vidic
DM- Michael Carrick
DM- Anderson
AMC- Paul Scholes
AMR- Cristiano Ronaldo
AML- Wayne Rooney
ST- Dimitar Berbatov

I don't know enough about the injuries and squad status of Barcelona to decide a line up for them but they will probably play a similar formation.

Posted by Danny on 05/18/2009

Barcelona was projected as weakened for the final mainly because of injuries to Henry and suspension for players like Alves,but I think we can see that they still have ample firepower and magnificent players like Messi , Puyol , Pique and Eto.They are definitely not weak.
My team will be in the 4-4-1-1 formation or the traditional 4-4-2.No guesses on defence as Vidic and Co. has been very solid at the back.Centre of midfield will be Carrick and Giggs(Anderson) while wings will be taken up by Park Ji Sung and Rooney.Ronaldo can play behind Tevez as forwards.
I agree that we shall be graceful winners.When we win championships,and especially when we win it successively,other fans will raise their ugly heads and make various remarks.We should not retaliate by doing the same thing.We should remind ourselves that the results are for all to see,the trophies are in our cabinets,and no matter what they say,we are still champions.That is the truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Posted by franco on 05/18/2009

My line up will be that which played Arsenal first Leg with carrick and anderson in midfield,fedinand,vidic,oshea,evra the back four and Tevez,Rooney ronaldo and sunpark upfront that line up will do what is required

Posted by Capital on 05/18/2009

Its lovely times for all of us who worship MU and am so sorry to say it, without rubbing it in but our record-equiling record is just Kosher.

I agree with SAF 19th sounds better than 18th.

Rome here we come - The Red Army.

What was said about Busby Anniversary around the day of Final in Rome??

Lots - i simply like that side

Posted by Mayur on 05/18/2009

I agree with you comments about taking the high road. We have supported out team through thick & thin and we should savour the moment rather than waste it by getting involved celebrating our opponents woes. SAF has built a team which will compete on all fronts for the coming seasons, so we shoud see more silverware coming our way. As for Barcelona I think we should have 3 strikers to start with and obviously Vidic & Rio at the back. Lot's team makes a lot of sense.

Posted by Patrice-Kigali on 05/18/2009

Hello Mark and all you United fans!

2008/2009 has been really breathtaking but finally happiness has come. I want to be honest to you all, when we dropped points to our big three rivals, i was like... we are gone.

There are games i reflect at and am like we won the trophy here: Spurs, Aston villa, Stoke, Wigan. The recent Arsenal game to me was not so stressing because we had almost won the trophy.

On Lot's teams, i would start with Park and bring Tevez as a substitute(65-70th Minute). I would have loved to have Brown on instead of Oshea because Brown has proved to play well against Henry one-to-one and later bring on Oshea as a substitute. In his absence, Oshea starts with Rafael coming on later.

I hope we go on ,win the next EPL and be ahead of Liverpool.

As for now, let me continue my celebrations.

ManU for ever.

Posted by Scheu on 05/18/2009

I am an American and the class of most of the European players is why I favor European football over American football. Scholes and Giggs are true champions, both on and off the pitch, and their attitudes should be duplicated not only by other footballers, but by athletes in all sports as well. As for SAF's squad for Rome, I believe he'll start Berbatov as his one true striker with Rooney and Ronaldo aiding as wingers. Carrick, Park, and Anderson will hold the midfield, and of course O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evra will protect Van der Sar's goal. This will leave Tevez, Giggs, and Scholes to come on and provide fresh legs which will hopefully be too much for a Barcelona side stricken with suspensions and injuries.

Posted by Priyank on 05/18/2009

Titles are won through the humility that hard labour brings and the dripping of honest sweat. I feel we let all our Team's efforts go to vain if we ridicule our rivals. You will never see any player from UNITED ever being smug and gleeful at the despair or inability of their rivals to win any title. If we, the supporters do so, then we tarnish the image of our team and the position they have secured for themselves in history. Whenever our rivals don't win a game, my only feeling is relief, cause that allows us to surge ahead and get closer to our goals and I am eternally thankful when we achieve them. The players give their everything to win a game, a title, we should not fritter away that positive energy by goading our opponents. That's beneath the moral standing of a UNITED supporter!
Enjoyed this win greatly - each title is always sweeter than the last, achieved in symbolic grit, may we carry that forward onto Rome and return clutching another Cup!!!

Posted by true m u on 05/18/2009

i agree with you the best team won title over the season congras to liverpool for giving us a good run if rafel there is no need to rant rave the best team won title to win is 38 games you tried but failed raf to beat sir alex congrats to the team for a good season once again good luck in final may best team win

Posted by Won on 05/18/2009

Hey Mark, enjoyed your post, keep it up.

I actually think Berba should start, as we need someone upfront who can keep the ball once we've won it off Barca, with Ronnie partnering him upfront (he seems to play better nowadays in a more central position).

Rooney's been so consistent and disciplined since Fergie started playing him wide left, so I would keep him there, with Park on the other wing. Anderson partnering Carrick in the center gives us a workaholic midfield that can also pass and create.

As for the defence, it more or less picks itself, doesn't it? Evra, Vidic, Rio, and O'Shea with Edwin in goal.

It should be a great final in Rome.

Posted by Wet Vein on 05/18/2009

I would start Tevez. If this is his last game, you know he's gonna play at his very best. 1- To be remembered as a great player, (which he will be) and 2-To kind of stuff it down the managements throats. Who knows... if he has a great game, maybe the brass will be forced to fork over the money to his douchbag salve master.

Posted by WS on 05/19/2009

United's Champions League Line up:

GK- Edwin van der Sar
RB- John O'Shea
LB- Patrice Evra
CB- Rio Ferdinand
CB- Nemanja Vidic
DM- Michael Carrick
DM- Anderson
AMR- Cristiano Ronaldo
AML- Park Ji Sung
AMC- Dimitar Berbatov
ST- Wayne Rooney

Carlos Tevez to be featured in the 2nd half - early if the team needs his energising effect.

Posted by Ruz on 05/19/2009

great article...the bets bit is that history remembers kings...liverpool won one battle since 2002...like the comedian russel peters says" take it and go"
as for the line up
v.d.s

o'shear ferdinand vidic evra

rooney carrick anderson giggs

ronaldo
tevez

im usin giggs and anderson becoz he did an amazing job against chelsea , and will provide enough back up to evra. , rooney is enough of a beats to help john..but he needs to be cool and enjoy his football. i think hes being to hard on himself for the last two games.

my prediction 2-0 nil to manchester united...remember were the kings and they are the pretenders...BELIEVE

Posted by Gabriel Olukwo on 05/19/2009

GK van der sar
RB oshea
LB evra
CB rio
CB vidic
CM Carrick
CM anderson
CM Park ( Scholes should not start)
LW Roonie
RW Ronaldo
ST Berbatov

60min Sub TEVES
sub2 Giggs
sub3 Scholes

The back five are automatic choices. Roonie has made left midfield his own. He will help stop Messi b4 he reaches Evra. I pick Park ahead of scholes in central midfield because i fear scholes will get cards with mistimed tackles. Barca can pass the ball around many times frustrating our old head. Park will be ably assisted in central midfield by Anderson and Carrick.Ronny will play well in Right midfield. Berbatov will hold the ball well committing 3 defenders thus freeing other players. In case there is no breakthrough by 60min then teves can come in and change the game.

Posted by mann on 05/19/2009

you are right marky. sometimes i do want to rub it in their faces, especially those ABUs. Thanks for dragging me back from the dark side ;-)
But I'm sorry to say those pool supporters even from my side of the world they are, such classless ppl. I know its generalisation but I don't have decent pool friends (when discussing football) but I do have chelsea, newcastle, spurs. maybe its the close rivalry but come on have some class. now even their mgr is leading the way. if this is the attitude I hope they'll never recover. Silly me when they were not even in the CL deep inside I thought it would be great if they are. i think thats enuf for now, cheers marky & fellow reds!

Posted by Bobby Tamber on 05/19/2009

SAF is always defense-oriented, as he should be in the big Champions League games.

Missing Fletcher is more devastating than one would think. He's a better defender than Park or Anderson, whose offensive flair, while helpful, is not critical. Fletcher was our replacement for Hargreaves, who played against Chelsea in Moscow last year. Without either, our midfield defense, and therefore team, is weaker against a Barcelona side whose strength is weaving through the middle of the park.

While Tevez is a valuable physical presence and a hard worker on the back, the number of times he's prone to losing the ball in a game through bad passes and excessive dribbling makes him a liability not worth starting against a possession black-hole team like Barcelona.

Line-up:

EVS
Evra
Ferdinand
Vidic
O'Shea
Carrick
Anderson (Scholes likely to sub)
Giggs (Tevez likely to sub)
Rooney
Ronaldo
Berbatov

Posted by Ajiri Eyetuoma on 05/19/2009

First&formost,Ichesunited fans but I'm th thier system of play.But why I'm afraid of Barca for them is that(Barca)are very good in passes & fast than ManUnited do.Though the game is going to be very hard.The only way for ManU to succeed in winning the trophy is to map out a new strategy to win their opponent or else;Barca will be on a safer side on that day.

Posted by Gary Cartwright on 05/19/2009

I am not sure we can say Barca have been underestimated by the British... I definitely have not with a forward line that has 90 goals between them and as scored over 100 goals as a team in their league campaign.

We played twice last year and they did not score in either leg of the semi final as we matched up 4-3-3 with them... i think Fergie will do the same again this year. My team as follows.

1. Van der Sar.
2. O'Shea
3. Evra
4. Vidic
5. Ferdinand
6. Carrick
7. Anderson
8. Giggs
9. Rooney
10. Ronaldo
11. Park

I think Ronaldo will play up top with Rooney and Park tracking back to help the full backs with Messi and Iniesta. Deny them two touches and you stop them playing. We did it last year and Chelsea did it this year. I think I am right in saying Messi as yet to score past an English team!!!

I think the deciding factor will be the suspensions of Alves and Abidal as Barca will miss their attacking options.

Posted by CD101 on 05/19/2009

good lord, it's a first! A Man Utd fan who acknowledges there are other clubs in the world that deserve a bit of respect. A Utd fan who understands a little bit of history- and that indeed empires do crumble. How refreshing

I only wish there were more like you and fewer "I fink Rooney and Ronnie is da gr8st evah!" brigade which seem to make up about 80% of Utd fans these days. Utd are an excellent team but - and here's a shock for you! - there have been others (and not just Liverpool incidentally).

A little bit of humility would go a long way. And in case you're in any doubt, it's not just Liverpool fans who despise Utd and their fans.

Posted by hussaini raji on 05/19/2009

I think the match will be toof one b/coz berca will play well and man.u will keep on to remain a champion again, but if Fergie did the same way he did last season i believe man.u will win it again.
Line up

Van der sar
O'shea
Evra
Vidic
Ferdinard
Carrick
Giggs
Anderson
Ronaldo
Berbatov
Rooney

and i believe that if Fergie start with those players that i mention, defnettlly man.u will win

Posted by oMER JAVID on 05/19/2009

cONGRTS mAN UTD, NO DOUBT AND NO SECOND THOUGHT

MANUTD ARE BEST.

Posted by Jamie Pfeffer on 05/19/2009

Very nice article, Mark. I'll try my best to display that conduct. If enough of us do it, perhaps we can shed the current culture of schadenfreude. Maybe? For a day or two?

I like Gary Cartwright's formation. Ronaldo has excelled as the central spearhead. Rooney, Giggs, and Park would all graft and track back to shield Evra and O'Shea. United's forward wide players have been analogous to defensive backs in American football. Just like the latter "bump" receivers within five yards of the line of scrimmage, Rooney, Giggs, and Park have already excelled at "forechecking" Messi, Eto'o, and Henry. Chelsea did this quite well. And United have much more width than does the London club.

It should be an exhilarating -- and quite tense -- final.

Best,
Jamie

Posted by Jamie Pfeffer on 05/19/2009

Very nice article, Mark. I'll try my best to display that conduct. If enough of us do it, perhaps we can shed the current culture of schadenfreude. Maybe? For a day or two?

It should be an exhilarating -- and quite tense -- final.

Best,
Jamie

Posted by alfred on 05/19/2009

United have so many good players that it is incredibly hard to pick the XL for the final...

Van der sar
O'shea
Evra
Vidic
Ferdinard
Carrick
****
Anderson
Ronaldo
Berbatov
Rooney

I think it will be between Park, Schole or Giggs for the final spot. Whoever plays, we will go for it as a team!

Posted by ktsoon on 05/19/2009

i don't like the idea of rushing the final game.
stamina can play a big part in this, so it's best to have tevez on the bench and coming on as a sub.
if we have park and tevez on the bench, their stamina alone can over power most oppositions coming on at half time.
diagonal balls are very important against barca. from what i see from the chelsea games, barcelona had a tough time defending diagonal balls to malouda. if rooney and ronaldo (or scholes) can do quick, long, diagonal balls accurately, there should be no problem unlocking the barca defence.
-
two things i want to point out in united winning the league.
1. the last 6 matches of united were 'home-away-home-away-home-away', which read 'HAHAHA'
2. soccernet had all its predictions of games as 'united win' during the first 'H'

Posted by Raghu on 05/19/2009

Like what most of you said,there is a probability of man u playing the fab four,However it might be to risky to play berbatov n ronaldo in the same team as they dont do as much defending as the others,so i am going for a 4-3-3, with rooney,ronaldo,tevez (rooney n tevez covers a lot of the ground),in the middle with carrick,anderson n giggs/scholes,defense the usual flat four of shea,ferdinand,vidic n evra,keeper van der sar. park,berbatov might come in depends on situation...

Posted by E-Man on 05/19/2009

Line-up:

VDS
O'Shea Rio Vidic Evra

Anderson Carrick Giggs

Park Ronaldo Rooney

Posted by Ndu Chinelo Vivian on 05/19/2009

The match is definetely going to be tough!It will be one of the best Finals ever played in UEFA Champions.My regret is that Vidic is not going to play.He would have been the better marker for Messi.If Fergie should start with Giggs and Paul Scholes among others ,i think that would be Fantastic.Baca is not a team to underate,i believe Man utd is aware of that.Park should also be in the line up 'i admire his speed and skill.The Chelsea style almost worked on Baca but i think Man utd should balance both their defence and attack,most especially our midfield.Man utd should not play under pressure as the defending cham. Line up:
Edwin vandaser
John O'shea
Patrick Evra
Garrick
Ferdinand
Scoles (subs Anderson)
Giggs
Ronaldo
Berbatov
Rooney
Park
With a good formation ,i think Man u will have cause to rejoice again.

Posted by Red Devil on 05/19/2009

VDS
OSHEA
VIDIC
RIO
EVRA
CARRICK
ANDERSON
ROONEY
RONALDO
BERBATOV
TEVEZ

Thats what i think the line up should, however I dont think Sir Alex will start it like, probably will start Park over Tevez, and Scholes over Anderson, which would still work for part of the match my only hope is he doesnt wait too long to bring the two on. Its going to be a nail biter

Posted by tayje on 05/19/2009

The team fielded by Sir Alex on CL final matchday could take up two different structures, based on Fergie's mindset.

Defence-oriented:
GK Edwin
LB Evra
RB O'Shea
CB Ferdinand
CB Vidic
DM Anderson
DM Carrick
LM Park
RM Rooney
AM Ronaldo
ST Berbatov
... in which Rooney instead of Ronaldo appears on the flank so as for the team to be able to track back quickly and efficiently (against the likes of Messi and Henry).

Attack-oriented:

GK Edwin
LB Evra
RB Rafael
CB Ferdinand
CB Vidic
DM Anderson
LM Park
RM Ronaldo
AM Rooney
ST Tevez
ST Berbatov
... I really like the diamond setup; I am aware that it hasn't been used much by United all this season, but should Sir Alex think the best way to respond to an attacking threat is to field an equally formidable offensive force, then this could be the way to go.

Posted by AIZ on 05/19/2009

Only some of those lineups reflect the fact that Fergie said he would start Park (for sentimental reasons, but still - he's a great footballer).

It's unlikely that he starts both Park and Tevez, but what a fairytale it would be if Tevez comes on to score the winner... legendary stuff!

So, here's my shot at the lineup:

Van der Sar
O'Shea
Vidic
Ferdinand
Evra
Carrick
Park
Giggs
Rooney
Ronaldo
Berbatov

Anderson/Scholes to sub in for Giggs
Tevez to sub in for Park, with Ronaldo dropping to the right

Posted by Chukwuemeka Osondu on 05/19/2009

GK - Van der Sar
LB - Evra
RB - O'Shea
CB - Vidic
CB - Ferdinand
DMF - Carrick (I wish Hargreaves was fit!!!)
AMC - Anderson
AMR - Ronaldo
AML - J.S. Park
SS - Rooney
CF - Tevez
This match will be too much for Rafael so I go for O'Shea. Carrick is more useful to us as a CMF so I'd have prefered Hargreaves in that position. Park and Anderson have lots of energy and that would help us a great deal.
This is my pick and it was hard. i can only imagine what Sir Alex goes through every week...

Posted by Keong on 05/19/2009

Barca should never be underestimated.
Although there are suspensions/ injuries for them, it doesn't necessarily mean that it weakens them for Barca never relied on defence anyway.

Remember, attack is the best form of defence.

I feel the line up would be:

Van der Sar

O' Shea
Evra
Rio
Vidic

Carrick
Anderson
Giggs

Park
Rooney
Ronaldo

With Henry and Messi on opposite flanks, I do not think that Fergie will risk playing Ronaldo on either flanks.

Therefore, both Park and Rooney are hardworking and willing to help out in defence so they get my vote here.

In the middle of the park, we need an energetic player to break Xavi and Iniesta's rhythm. Hopefully the effervescent Giggs and the power of Anderson will be more than a match for Xavi and Iniesta.

Glory Glory Man United !!! Let's conquer Rome !!!

Posted by vish on 05/19/2009

I couldn't agree with you more, Mark. Very well said, too, you writing style is very eloquent.

As for our lineup for the 27th I thought I'd put in my two cents as well:
GK van der Sar
RB O'Shea (but I hope Rafael comes on late)
LB Evra (a man amongst boys, after all)
CB Ferdinand (the head)
CB Vidic (the heart)
CDM Carrick
CDM Anderson
RM Ronaldo
LM Park
CM Rooney
ST Berbatov (need a good hold-up man)

Likely Subs:
Tevez
Giggs
Rafael (better at PKs than Scholes)

Posted by sajha on 05/19/2009

In my thought final will be entertaining free flowing football. Barca will do that hope United also paly attacking football. My team for fianl will be :
Van der sar
O'shea
Evra
Vidic
Ferdinard
Carrick
Giggs
Anderson
Ronaldo
Berbatov
Rooney
We need Giggs in the middle for some experrience to start with in the middle. Beside that can use Tevez,Park as sub to provide energy in second half if needed. Scholes can be a second half sub for experience needed.

Posted by Marc on 05/19/2009

For those of you who think berba will start, you're wrong. For those of you who think scholes will start, you're nuts. For all of you who seemingly excluded PFA player of the year Ryan Giggs, take up an interest in some other sport.

VDS
O'Sheasy
Vidic
Rio
Evra
Carrick
Anderson
Giggsay
Wee Park-Ji
Rooney
Ronnie

I mean honestly, did anyone(except Gary) here see the CL Semi-final second leg???

Posted by Andy on 05/19/2009

Same line up as Gabriel Olukwo but diff formation

GK Van Der Sar
RB O Shea (how I wish its Brown instead)
LB Evra
CB Vidic
CB Ferdinand
RM Ronaldo
LM Park (to track Messi)
DM Carrick
DM Anderson
LF Rooney
CF Berbatov

68th min Sub Tevez (to run opposition defenders down and final hooray)
75th min Giggs and Scholes (to unlock defences if trailing)

Fergie will start with his fittest players as this is a high-tempo game. Scholes had his chances last year and is not that fit. Park will def start this game as he is hardworking and a smart player, hardly giving away balls. Giggs will be used in the final third. Berbatov will start cos Fergie wants to use his imagination and to let him have a taste of glory, since Tevez will be gone and Fergie wants Berbatov for the long-time.

Posted by xhash on 05/19/2009

GK- Edwin van der Sar
RB- John O'Shea
LB- Patrice Evra
CB- Rio Ferdinand
CB- Nemanja Vidic
DM- Michael Carrick
DM- Anderson
AMC- Paul Scholes
AMR- Cristiano Ronaldo
AML- Wayne Rooney
ST- Dimitar Berbatov

i'll opt for this since alves wont be playing so ronaldo can play more in a free position rather than in the right so our right fullback wont face much trouble hopefully...i wud always perfer tavez to berba since he is always out of position but we might need the spark of energy in the form of tevaz midway thru 2nd half when the defence is tired...counter attacking cud be the key coz as i have seen this season...barca are sharper than utd in attack but not as sharp in defence so its upto carrick and anderson to do the stopping in the midfield part and feed the ball to the wide players asap so we can kill them off early...but if we sit back and defend then we're in for big trouble...coz their attacking array of talent is second to none...

come on devils!!lets conquer rome!!

Posted by Nicoacademia on 05/19/2009

FC - Ronaldo
AML - Rooney
AMR - Park JS
AMC - Tevez / Anderson
CM - Carrick
CM - Scholes
DL - Evra
DR - O'Shea
DC - Ferddy
DC - Viddy
GK - E VDS

Posted by Jeffrey on 05/19/2009

I saw a lot of the guys named Anderson. He had a great second half of the season so far, but I cannot see him as diciplined as Park, who in his own rights have been outstanding too.
As a Champions League final, I would expect Sir Alex to have an European approach to it.
4-5-1 formation:
GK: Van Der Sar - Automatic first choice

RB: O'Shea
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra - Our most solid back four this season

RM: Ronaldo
DM: Giggs
CM: Park
CM: Carrick
LM: Rooney

This is where I think Giggs should start. He has the experience of more than 800 games, he would certainly calm things down in the middle of the park. With his supurb performance againt Chelsea, I can see him in this role.

Park as I said before, more disaplined than Anderson, and will run his socks off, giving Xavi no breathing space.

CF: Berbatov

Berbatov would give Puyol a lot more problem than Tevez will, with his touch, ball control, height and able to hold the ball up will free Ronaldo and Rooney on the wings

Posted by Michael on 05/19/2009

I am a little worried about most writers' pick in defense. Problem is the quickness of Barca's attack which may outpace the tall & lanky ManU defense(iniesta, xavi, messi, bojan, henri vs. vidic, o'shea, ferdinand). I would consider rafael instead of o'shea, but experience is dictating o'shea. Hope ManU attack will put these considerations to rest.

Posted by Paul Delaney on 05/19/2009

I would go with a dangerous attacking lineup. Put Rooney on the left as he has shown great use out there. Ronnie on the right with Berba and Tevez in the centre with Berba perhaps a bit back of Tevez, but that would switch up anyway as Tevez is likely to chase all kinds of stuff. Then Carrick and Anderson in centre midfield with standard backline of Evra-Vidic-Rio-O'Shea and then EVS. With Park, Giggs and Scholes on the bench with experience and effort, along with Evans, Neville, Nani and Kuszczak. You have to score more than them to win and no one really wants to depend on penalties. Lets attack them, keep the ball away from their attackers and score a few goals.

Posted by Robert Gill on 05/19/2009

I can only really see SAF playing one particular side:

Van der Sar

O'Shea
Ferdinand
Vidic
Evra

Ronaldo
Carrick
Anderson
Park

Berbatov
Rooney

I really don't think Tevez will start, what with all of the speculation over his future. Plus he makes a great 60 minute sub.

Scholes (and to a lesser extent Giggs) may be a liability against the speedy, technically gifted midfield and attackers of Barcelona. Think Carrick, Anderson and Park will do a lot of chasing and closing down to try to keep them quiet.

Tevez, Giggs and Scholes to be the subs. Hopefully Berbatov, Rooney and Ronaldo will give the makeshift Barca defence some problems, and present Ronaldo with some free kick opportunities.

Posted by Roy on 05/19/2009

Well written article. I am a LFC supporter, and believe it or not I have a lot of respect for United. I hope my team can beat them to the title next season, but they will have to earn it.

I wish there could be less vitriol between the fans of the big clubs. Football would gain, and both our clubs have impressive histories.

Posted by iPom on 05/19/2009

I agree with all these sentements, as well as Lot's side, however, I think that Giggs should get a starting place. Here's my line-up:

Van Der Sar (Obviously)

O Shea
Ferdinand (If he's fit, otherwise Evans)
Vidic
Evra

Giggs
Carrick
Ronaldo

Berbatov
Tevez
Rooney

My Bench:

Kuszcach (However you spell it)
Evans
Anderson (To replace Carrick if we need a bit more attack)
Park (On for Giggs about 60 minutes in)
Macheda (Just as back up if one of the forwards gets crocked.)

Posted by Will on 05/20/2009

I don't think SAF will play the Fab 4 together because others have rightly pointed out that Barca mid-field is dangerous and have to deal with cautious. Therefore I think a five-man mid-field is almost a certainty, with Anderson, Carrick and Giggs in the center, and Rooney on the left and Park (Ronaldo) on the right. The left and right mid-fields are important because they have to chase back and help to mark Messi, Iniesta or Henry, and Rooney and Park are the best choices. In this case Ronaldo will be up front alone just as in the Arsenal game. No Tevez No Berbatov.

Posted by von on 05/20/2009

I like to see MU play on counter attack. The line up against Arsenal on the second leg CL semi final was the best option so far.

GK - Van Der Sar
RB - Oshea
LB - Evra
CB - Rio
CB - Vidics
M - Carrick
M - Anderson
M - Gigg (too bad Flecture is ban but at least Gigg can provide the pace)
F - Park
F - Ronaldo
F - Rooney

Tevez, although work hard but he lose ball easily and also slow down the team. Same goes for Berbatov....lack of speed

Posted by Azam Abd Wahab on 05/20/2009

I don't agree with your claim that showing class while on top now will result in us taking less flak in leaner times later, ESPECIALLY when Liverpool is involved. It will never happen. We don't live in an ideal world Mark where one virtue begets another. Seldom so. And almost surely never so in such viceral state of affairs like the hate-hate realtionship between us and the Pools.
I have been a Man Utd supporter since the 70's, which means I grew up during a period when we had nothing except for the sporadic FA Cup victories and Pool was the toast of English football winning things left, right and center, very much like what we are right now. I endured torrid abuse from Pool supporters for a good 20 odd years. Class? Grace? They certainly NEVER showed any then, so why on earth should we show any now. I'm milking it right now for all its worth.
If anything, this should actually be a lesson on class and grace for them. The best part is... WE ARE THE ONES TEACHING THEM!!!!

Posted by Ashvin on 05/20/2009

Great article Mark. It is good knowing that there are still many Man U fans out there who actually support the Devils because of how they play and not just because of the bragging rights that comes with the number of titles we have won.
As for the UCL Final against Barca, this is the line-up I think SAF will go with:
GK - VDS
RB - O'shea
CB - Ferdinand
CB - Vidic
LB - Evra
CM - Anderson
CM - Carrick
CM - Giggs
MR - Park JS
ML - Rooney
CF - Ronaldo

However, I might add that because of how well Scholes played against Barca last year, Ferguson might be tempted to go with him instead of Giggs - if Fletcher hadnt been suspended I'm sure he would have started alongside Ando and Carrick. As for Park, I hav a feeling he might get the nod ahead of Berba and Carlos because he tracks back really well.
Against Hull I'm guessin Berba and Carlos would hav one last chance to impress the boss.!
Glory Glory and to Rome we march!!

Posted by kl on 05/20/2009

Great post. It's rare nowadays to see football fans with a sense of humility. Just look at a response a few posts above. Despite the hard times, being able NOT to retaliate against past flak shows class.

Posted by aj on 05/20/2009

VDS

OSHEA
RIO
VIDA
EVRA

PARK
CARRICK
ANDO
GIGGS
ROONEY

RONALDO

Posted by Kok Lee on 05/20/2009

Hello to Mark and all MU fans:

I am a MU fan from Malaysia.

First of all, what a great article you have there, Mark, and what a cool response from everyone, nice work!

I think most of us basically agree on the line up for the finale in Rome, but it will up to SAF to have a final say on that one, let us finger cross and see...

Just one thing, is Darren Flecther's red card still stand? It's a shame not to have him in the final line up base on his performance during the semi match. He is strong in getting back the ball from the opponents and working extra just to go back to the defend line and help out. Really hope can see him in the final line up.

A great season for MU this year, a tough for next season, strong Liverpool need to watch out, right manager for Chelsea will b a come back, and never underestimate the full-of-talented-youth Arsenal...

MU Always!!!

Posted by veronimo on 05/20/2009

great article. i could not agree more. all empires must eventually fall and SAF's retirement - however well he plans the handover - will be a signal for a techtonic shift, even if it is only psychological, as other teams will sense that their time has come. lets saviour every victory because we know how hard and how long it took us to get here.

rome beckons. my starting eleven:
- VDS
- evra, rio, vidic, JOS
- ronaldo, anderson, carrick, rooney
- berba, tevez

as much as i want to see giggs start, we need speed in the middle to close down barca or they will pass us to death. rooney and anderson to do the job, carrick to pull the strings. carlitos must start - if this is his last game in red he will give us something to remember.

Posted by Jacob on 05/20/2009

Actually i would love to see a repeat of the formation used against Arsenal in the Semi Finals. We will play ronaldo as the lone forward with rooney and park down the flanks. We will use Scholes to replace the suspended Fletcher so as to take advantage of quick breaks and Barca's defensive limitations.

They are weak on the setpieces so presence of Anderson and Carrick can hold the fort when we push vidic and ferdinand up for set pieces.

The key is that we stifle their players out of the game. Rooney on the left will counter Evra's defensive limitations and also handle either Henry/Messi. On the other side, we have O Shea with Park.

Tevez can be used as super sub in case we have fallen behind and Berbatov to hold on to the lead.

Pack the midfield and deny them the playing ground. Go on our famous counter attacks and we should win this game, even though they are highly rated opponents.

Go UNITED!

Posted by Christian on 05/20/2009

Van Der Sar; O'Shea, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic; Carrick, Giggs, Park, Ronaldo; Rooney, Berbatov

Posted by jacky on 05/20/2009

VDS

OSHEA (all the defenc n keeer shoul be same)
RIO
VIDA
EVRA

PARK(good to play there with his workrate)
CARRICK
ANDO
GIGGS(when it comes his through pass kill games)
ROONEY(messi will not going easily)

RONALDO(he can hold the ball, dribble, counter attack by his own n shoot from long range) he is the person include tevez n berbatov in him)

Posted by success on 05/20/2009

these are the players i need to play in the starting line-up
Van der sar
O'shea
Evra
Vidic
Ferdinard
Carrick
park
Anderson
Ronaldo
Teves
Rooney

Posted by Dele Sanusi on 05/20/2009

Here's my formation to beat Barcelona

Van Der Sar

O'Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra

Park Carrick Giggs

Ronaldo Tevez Rooney

Posted by Math on 05/20/2009

I read that Henry and Iniesta will also miss the final, has anyone else heard whether or not they will be fit?

I am not convinced that SAF will start Park. Even though he has stated publicly that he will use him in the final I'm not positive he intends for him to start. I think it would be fitting to start Tevez and let him walk off with a standing ovation and bring Park off the bench.

One last thought... Since we seem to have plenty of combinations of Man Utd line-ups, what squad do you think Barca will run with?

Posted by MR JOHNSON on 05/20/2009

united must take the game serious because Baca now are just like a wounded lion.

Posted by Aditya Ramesh on 05/20/2009

On the matter of the starting eleven, it looks to me that fergie will go with a defensive look the side. Three out of four places at the back are fixed. Only one, the right back slot is up for grabs with Rafael and O'shea battling it out for the start. However ,it looks like the experience of O'shea will be counted on.

A three man midfield is also how Fergie will probably start the match. Carrick can be assured of his place ,while Anderson will probably play to provide the legs and its anyone's guess on who will start between Giggs and Scholes.Although my money will be on Giggs.

The big question lies with the men upfront. Ronaldo and Rooney will start for sure. Rooney will man the left flank in all scenario's ,while it will be interesting to see if Ronaldo will be used as an orthodox right winger with Berbatov starting or whether he'll play the role of a striker(in which he was so effective against Arsenal) with Park getting the nod on the right.

Posted by Fidalis Maurice Mwelii on 05/20/2009

We have the most lethal strike force in the planet, a world class versatile mid field and a rock solid seasoned defence force. Come the 27th, expect nothing but pure explosion as Rooney,Tevez and latter Berbatov turn Barca defenders upside down,terrorising Valdes like never before.
Take this

E.V.SAR

O'SHEA
EVRA
VIDIC
RIO

CARRICK [LATER SCHOLES]
PARK
ANDERSON [LATER GIGGS]
RONALDO

TEVEZ [LATER BERBATOV]
ROONEY

Posted by WeeBen on 05/20/2009

Despite missing Abidal, Marquez and Alves (maybe Iniesta) Barcelona has quality covers for the defence and will not simply fall apart. For one, Toure and Pique will play at center-halfs, both are 6foot 2 tall, so the playing a tall target striker like Berbatov is not going to be the definate answer to breaking down Barcelona. Carlos Puyol can play anywhere across the backfour, and will more likely cover for right back, and left-back is likely to be filled up by Sylvinho, an ex-Arsenal defender.(or Martin Ceceras,great player but lacking fitness)
Puyol,Pique,Toure,Sylvinho back four will not be rolled-over easily even if Man U play all 4 strikers. (ronaldo, berbatov, rooney, tevez). Going gung-ho could well back-fire big time for Man U. Man U should play 433 or 451, with rooney and park on both wings, and keep the tempo high by pressing Barca to disrupt the passing game. Man U must not concede first, if not the flood gate will open for Barcelona for more attacking opportunities.

Posted by henry on 05/20/2009

it give me great pleasure to wr ith u this mail. i will be very happy to let the manaagement of manunited to pleaes give carlos teves to remain inthe club cus he has brought a great change in the united team .cheers

Posted by Guy Woolliams on 05/20/2009

Hey guys

What a mouthwatering clash. As long as we don't make the same mistake that Chelsea did to sit back on a 1-0 lead for 75 minutes, we should be able to take advantage of their weakened defense. I don't think we should solely rely on the counterrack either, as Barca's midfield and forwards are just too good and creative!

I think the Spearhead 4-3-2-1 approach may work for formation. As for Selection, that's a tough one, with Park and Tevez both making great claims for inclusion. Although he frustrates, Berbatov merits inclusion for the dark genius he is. As for Scholes, while he should play in the final he and Giggs cannot last the whole game. Fergie may start one or the other but not both, and certainly neither will get a full game. Let's go with:

EVRA
VIDIC ANDERSON ROONEY
VAN DER SAR FERDINAND CARRICK BERBATOV
O'SHEA PARK RONALDO

SUBS:
65 (BERBATOV)/TEVEZ
70 (PARK)/GIGGS
70 (ANDERSON)/SCHOLES

Messi v Rooney!

Posted by baba-Ali nigeria. on 05/20/2009

ur analysis is superb and as 4 own opinion 4 d finals in RomE VAN DER SAAR;OSHEA;RIO;VIDA'EVRA MIDS RONALDO;GIGGS;ANDERSON;ROONEY ATT TEVEZ;BERBATOV.

Posted by Man.U.Man on 05/20/2009

Wounded Lion? I thought they did quite fine the past week (winning the league and cup and beating chelsea to the finals before tt?) But I have to agree they are still dangerous.

My Man U Lineup:
1
Van Der Sar
22 5 15 3
O'Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra

16 8
Carrick Anderson
13
Park 10
Rooney
7
Ronaldo
9
Berbatov

Subs:
32 Tevez
41 Macheda
11 Giggs
18 Scholes
21 Rafael
23 Evans
29 Kuszczak

Probable Barca Lineup:

Valdes (GK)
Y.Toure (DR)
Pique (DC)
Puyol (DC)
Sylvinho (DL)
Xavi (MC)
Iniesta (MC)
Keita (MC)
Henry (FL)
Eto'o (FC)
Messi (FR)

Subs:
Helb
Busquets
Krkic
Gudjohnson
Caceres
Pedrito
Manuel Pinto

That's my two cents!

Posted by OLISEMEKA on 05/20/2009

IT GREAT KNOWING THAT UTD HAS A LARGE TEAM TO CHOOSE FROM. THIS TEAM WILL DEFINITELY GIVE ANY MANAGER A HEADACHE TO SELECT A STARTING ELEVEN. BUT SIR ALEX IS A GURU.

AGAINST BARCA, I SUGGEST:

1) VAN DA SAR
2) O' SHE
3) EVRA
4) CARICK
5) RIO
6) VIDIC
7) C RONALDO (FREE ROLE)
8) PARK
9) TEVEZ
10) GIGGS
11) ROONY

RESERVE
SCHOLES
BABATOV
FLECHER
ANDERSON
NEVEL
KUSHACK

Posted by Armando on 05/20/2009

Oh you United fans. You still have hope thanks to the likes of Ronaldo...who will most likely leave for Madrid next year...My Barca are an attacking/possession football team. What will you do if you only have the ball 35% of the game?? Good luck. Barca are a different team this year with an air of confidence that they didn't have last year. Enough about what happend last year in the CL. Now is now people. We have our domestic double. Barca have a chance to do what their rival Madrid has never done. Win the treble. All that stands in the way is you. Cheers!

Posted by Maman Alsiddiq on 05/20/2009

Hey MAN UTD soulmates , we all have our way of setting the formation and tactical movements . But we all know that Sir Alex Ferguson is the best and not Rafa or Wenger or whoever you think of .

This Champions League final will be a big clash .
But hey , don't be afraid . Think positive , Manchaster United are champions in England . And so are they in the whole of Europe .

Manchester united made history this season .
First english club to win in porto.
Most clean sheets in england.
Then how about retaining the Champions League Title ?
Manchester United can make it happen .

Because the Reds go marching
ON! ON! ON!

Posted by analyst on 05/20/2009

the_brudderz you are retarded

Posted by asse on 05/21/2009

I`m the man utd from arusha tanzania, you did a good analysis for the team performance this season, but i think we should underate barcelona i`m sure we are not going to play like the blues(chelsea),
So our team for rome shall be van da sar,rafael(oshea is slow), evra, vidic,rio,carick,anderson,park,rooney,teves & ronaldo.
The red devil will go marching as usual

Posted by smashkon on 05/21/2009

Manchester United fans I envy you. Not because of you're team but because of you're correspondent. I'm a die hard Chelsea fan but I can't stand to read the trash Andy Thornton writes. Consider yourselves extremley fortunate to have such a classy, eloquent writer as your correspondent. Your blogs are a joy to read Mark. Keep up the good work. And please, if you find the time, teach Andy.

Posted by simon kiberu on 05/22/2009

its really great to have players like Ronaldo, Tevez, Roonie and Barbatov in one squard and if i was fergie i would field all of them together against Barcelona because of the poor defense the,re to field in the champions league.

my team would be
1 E.Vandersar
2 J.Oshea
3 P.Evra
4 N.Vidic
5 R.Ferdinand
6 M.Carrick
7 C.Ronaldo
8 Anderson
9 C.Tevez
10 D.Berbatov
11 W.Rooney

Longt Live Manchester United

Posted by Abdu Kofarmata on 05/22/2009

I hope G. Niveille will not feature on the bench, this will allow the young players the opportunity to suprise the catalans.
J.S.Park should be on the starting lineup, with Ryan Giggs coming in as substitute.
Before I forget, let Sir Alex allow Tevez to go, a $32 million striker should be among the top scorers chat by this time. 5 goals in a season doesnt seem to equate the $32 million man.

Posted by Derek on 05/22/2009

United's Champions League Line up:

GK- Edwin van der Sar

RB- John O'Shea
LB- Patrice Evra
CB- Johny Evans
CB- Nemanja Vidic

DM- Michael Carrick
DM- Anderson
AMR- Carlos Tevez
AML- Wayne Rooney

ST- Dimitar Berbatov
ST- Cristiano Ronaldo

Posted by Jad on 05/23/2009

It seems am the only non-ManU fan over here, but a lot of praise for Alex F. He made history, and he made a great team, gradually, and more consistently that Arsenal's Wenger ...
On the other hand, think about one issue here, the bench is 40% of a team, Barcelona will not be hesitating in their selection, they have got only 11 full power players left, and no other choices, while look at your comments, i can count 15 players involved, that's the strength of ManU, but the only thing missing is, creativity, it comes from the one and only Man, CR7, while in Barca, Messi is 1, Iniesta is another, a through pass from Xavi could ruin everything, and a placed shot from Henry might do so as well, what i am saying here, it is an equal opportunity match, though ManU has a much much better bench ... I just hope that ManU believe in themselves, and close down on Barca over the whole field, not to put 11 men behind the ball, very tricky, and very weakening ... Thank you

Posted by donbeck007 on 05/23/2009

line up for coming up rome.... 1. v.d.s 2.oshea 3ferdinad 4.vidic 5.evra 6.ronaldo 7carrick 8.shcoles 9.giggs 10.tevez 11.rooney m.u will get champ.league cup.........this is the red devil

Posted by Fadi on 05/23/2009

tesla barca will win

Posted by joeY on 05/24/2009

Champions league final at Rome..we gonna be first team to defend the title..this should be line up..
4 4 2...oshea ferdinand vidic evra

gigs carrick anderson rooney
Ronaldo

Tevez

subs..75 minutes..park for giggs..shcoles for anderson..85 minutes bebartov for tevez..
thank you..

Posted by usher on 05/24/2009

SAF, has the final says on the line-up, but I think Tevez should be ahead of Babatov

Posted by theTRUTH on 05/24/2009

has it occured to you guys that all your line-ups are including ronaldo???? why?
because he is good - so good leaving him on the bench is not an option. what that means is that the other players are just bad. all i want to read is at least one person to accept that fact.

learn to face the truth!

another way to put it is to say: if either messi or weto were man u players, would they be on the bench? i guess not!. again, accept the fact that your opponents are also strong!. unless you do that , the title is not yours!. i am a man u fan playing the deviles advocate...so dont hate me! the real strength in man u will not be in the skill of the players but in the mental resolve to win...

thank you.

Posted by dots on 05/25/2009

If can my line up will be
GK- VDS
RB- O'Shea
LB- Evra
CB- Rio
CB- Vidic
DMC- Carrick(stay all times)
MC- Scholes
AML- Park(help up Evra)
AMR- Rooney
SS- Berbav
ST- Ronaldo

Anderson can't face up to challenge, this year he played quite badly. Tevez will come out either on 45mins or 60mins for Berbav to play faster pace.Giggs come out for Scholes around 70 mins in the middle to indicate tempo.

Posted by amin on 05/26/2009

United's Champions League Line up:

GK- Edwin van der Sar

RB- John O'Shea
LB- Patrice Evra
CB- Rio Ferdinand
CB- Nemanja Vidic

DM- Michael Carrick
DM- Anderson
AMR- Park ji-sung
AML- Wayne Rooney

ST- Dimitar Berbatov (Giggs)
ST- Cristiano Ronaldo

i like to see ronaldo in front.he like to play solo like a striker.so give him another chance to be striker.Ronney can play anyside.Hopefully vidic don,t make mistake like happen clash between M.U and Liverpool in Old Trafford few month before.Gud LUck Man Utd..
Bring back some another trophy.make me proud...

Posted by Steve on 05/30/2009

How does that humble pie taste now? Games are played on the field, not on paper. Utd offense is going to destroy Barca, Ronaldo is going to run free down the flank, the big 2 from UTD will stop Messi up the middle, blah, blah, blah....

Love it, maybe next time (doubt UTD will ever make it back) be a little humble and don't treat you opponents lightly.

Quintable my behind....lol

Posted by WeeBen on 05/31/2009

well, Steve sounds like he's glad that Manchester United only won 3cups this season. Some Man Utd fans are irritating and brags about lots of things, but so are the non-Utd fans who taunts about Utd not being able to win 4cups this season.

Just because Utd did not win CL this season does not mean they have taken Barca lightly. No one has ever defended CL titles, it's that tough. Quintable your behind, Treble your front.

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