Manchester United Blog » Champions League Final

Champions League Starting 11

jquijano — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:38:10 +0000

Sir Alex has traditionally utilized a 4-5-1 formation in games of this magnitude, but this season he has increasingly opted to stick with his standard 4-4-2, even in some of the biggest games of the campaign. Look at what Chicharito was able to do against Chelsea! So, I hope (PRAY) that he continues with this trend and goes with a more attack minded formation. Here is what I would put out on Saturday:

Van der Sar
Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani
Rooney
Hernandez

Basically a 4-4-2, but with Rooney playing link man to Chicharito up top. Who are your starting 11 for the Final?

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Champions League Final Review and whats next for United…

Tony — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:10:34 +0000

Like all of you , I couldn’t be more disappointed in Manchester United’s performance on Wednesday. Yes, Barcelona played better football yesterday but with some minor adjustments in Uniteds line-up, Barcelona would never have gained control of the match the way they did.

Lets start with United’s starting line-up. The back four were fine. My issue was in the midfield, Why was Rooney on the left? And why was Ronaldo playing as a lone striker. It should have been Ronaldo on the right, Giggs on the left, and Rooney up top. Scholes in the center with Anderson and Carrick as a holding mid.

I think Sir Alex got caught up in the hype surrounding Park becoming the first Korean footballer to contest a Champions League final. Yes Park is in form, but like I’ve said before Park doesn’t have the presence to define a game, there are players that can take charge and change the outcome of a game and Park isn’t that player.

Next are the tactics. Barcelona did exactly what they were supposed to, they put the ball on the ground and kept possession. That way they took away two of United’s strengths, height and power. And United played right into it, they insisted on playing long ball. Making their make shift defensive line-up to look world class.

It will be interesting to see how United deal with the loss. Will Ronaldo and Tevez stay? Who will United sign if they leave? Can they make it to the final again while winning a record 19th premier league title? Make sure to check back all summer for the latest news.

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Manchester United vs Barcelona preview

Tony — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:21:56 +0000

We are less then 24 hours from the most anticipated Champions League final of our generation. It’s Manchester United vs. Barcelona, Cristiano vs. Messi. Both teams are champions of their respective leagues.

United could make history by being the first team to successfully defend their Champions League title. On paper, United are clearly favorites. Rio confirmed he will play and it seems Fletcher will be the only player to miss out on the grand finale. While Barca will be missing Abidal, Marquez, Alves, and Milito. While Henry and Iniesta remain doubtful.

United will have to attack and abuse Barca’s weak and vulnerable back four. While being able to contain Messi, Eto’o and Henry. Ferdinand and Vidic will hold Eto’o and Evra can keep up with Messi, but Henry may cause a problem for O’Shea.

While at the opposite end, Ronaldo will do what he wants with Silvinho. Rooney is already in Pique’s head, after the ex-United defender claimed “When he (Rooney) is focused he is simply unstoppable”

United are going into Rome with a “we will win” attitude, while Barca think “we might win” and that will mark the difference.

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United arrive in Moscow

Tony — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:21:01 +0000

United’s 24 man squad arrived in Moscow on Monday evening. On Tuesday United will get their first look at the Luzhniki Stadium, and set foot on the “Rolls Royce of a pitch” according to Matthew Frost who was also responsible for the pitch in Athens Olympic stadium last year.

The £150,000 pitch was imported from Slovakia in order to replace the controversial synthetic turf. FIFA has recognized the advantages of synthetic turf and has even developed a FIFA RECOMMENDED mark to acknowledge those turfs that meet the FIFA Quality Concept lab and field-testing. But in the end natural grass still reigns supreme. That is why come Wednesday the Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea will be played on natural nearly flawless grass.

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