author: Terry Venablessource: The Sun
date: 23 May 2009
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com
I expect Manchester United to beat Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday to retain their crown as Kings of Europe. And that is regardless of the line-up Alex Ferguson names for each match.
There has been much talk about the teams Fergie may or may not field in his final two games of the season. Such speculation is almost pointless. The astronomic abundance of ability at his disposal is so great that whoever he sends out will be good enough to claim victory. The stark reality is that, when it comes to Manchester United, there is no such thing as a 'weakened team'. I am pretty confident that, come 10pm at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola and his Barcelona boys will know it too.
United will not only have better players than the Catalans on the pitch. They will also have them on the bench. As Arsene Wenger has found this season, teams get you plaudits but it is squads who get you trophies. At the moment, there is no better group of players in the world than Manchester United's.
While Barcelona have been left reeling by the suspensions of influential full-backs Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal, United have almost shrugged off Darren Fletcher's harsh ban as an occupational hazard. While Barca fret over injuries to Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta, United are considering leaving Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez out of their starting line-up. It highlights the gulf in class and squads.
If centre-back Rafael Marquez, as expected, does not return against United, his absence - along with those already mentioned - would leave United holding the whip hand. It would also explain why Ferguson will leave Berbatov and Tevez on the bench and start Cristiano Ronaldo at centre-forward.
Berbatov and Tevez do not have the pace to trouble snail-like Yaya Toure, who may have to fill in at the back. If that is the case, it could be meat and drink for Ronaldo. It was a role Ron played so spectacularly, and to such devastating effect, against Arsenal in the semi-final. Wayne Rooney has become such an accomplished left-sided player. And with Park Ji Sung on the right, Fletcher's suspension may prove a silver lining for Fergie.
Rome will be a place for heroes. It will also be a place for unsung heroes. In the absence of Fletcher, Park and Anderson, who are tipped to fill one of the available midfield berths next to Michael Carrick and the ageless Ryan Giggs, will certainly provide one of those. Anderson will bring the aggression and energy in the middle of the park that is normally supplied by Fletcher.
Park has been a slow-burner at United. He is good on the ball and does the dirty work appreciated by team-mates but often overlooked by fans. He can get into the box and score the odd vital goal. Along with Rooney, he will act as the perfect foil for Ronaldo, whose pace is bound to frighten Barcelona - especially given their injury and suspension worries.
The expected midfield three of Giggs, Carrick and Anderson will be instructed to break up Barca's midfield passing combination before setting the likes of Park, Ronaldo and Rooney off on their rapid attacks. Counter-attacks are usually built on the 18-yard box. In Rome, I suspect they may start on the halfway line.
I would say Barca are more frightened of United than United are frightened of Barca. With good reason. I just cannot see how Barca will cope with United. Whoever Fergie decides to field.
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