Written by Justin Mottershead for Red Flag Flying High: So Manchester United face the all powerful behemoth that is FC Barcelona at Wembley on May 28th for the Champions League final.
Although the match is on English soil that’s probably about as much an advantage as it would be playing the Harlem Globetrotters in Los Angeles rather than New York.
The fact is Barcelona on their day look practically unbeatable, although that still hasn’t stopped every United fan with access to the internet or a phone from applying for a ticket. While we may be resigned to the fact that it’s going to take an almighty effort to prevent a repeat of what happened in Rome two years ago, there is the underlying feeling that not all hope is totally lost.
After all did Real Madrid not beat Barcelona in the final of the Copa Del Ray? Did Arsenal not manage a victory over them at the Emirates? Did David Villa not recently endure an eleven game goal less run? Is it not possible that even the great sides can have one bad day at the office?
Okay so I’m clutching at straws somewhat but while the smart money may be on Barcelona leapfrogging United in European Cups in 23 days time, as always with United there has to be a little bit of optimism.
While the likes of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Pedro, Pique and Dani Alves may all be among the best on the planet in their position, most people agree that stopping living legend and a true contender for the world’s greatest ever player Lionel Messi is the key to victory.
Some of the ideas being mooted are:
Move Rafael or Fabio into the middle and have them man mark Messi for the entire game.
Pin our hopes on Darren Fletcher being fit enough and having the game of his life.
Ask Rooney to drop even deeper and stay with Messi.
Play Rio in front of the back four and promote Chris Smalling to the heart of defence.
Ask Anderson to mark Messi.
Hire the caterers from the infamous Spurs West Ham game in 2006 and ask them to look after Barcelona.
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Im not a neutral football fan. Im a hardcore Barcafan, and after seeing Barca alot this season, Manu sure is up for the game of the season.
To stand ANY chance against Barca, u need to take Xavi out of the game. Messi is Messi, but he needs the ball. And taking Xavi out of the game is much more effective then man marking Messi. Without Xavi, Barca struggles to create chances, the game flows through Xavi 80-90% of the time. Fergi knows this and im sure he will do something about that.
BUT, taking out Xavi not an easy feat, no matter what.
My 2 cents.
M