There is no way SAF is just gonna lie down and let Barcelona run with the CL trophy again. I am sure he has quite a number ideas on these final if both teams get there as is widely expected.

Winning the CL against the current Barcelona team would rank up there with his life time achievements. Merchandising income would go through the roof, top players [starting with Neuer] would find the idea of being a Man U player very attractive, there will be more cash to spend on transfers etc. etc. The list is endless. If this is not enough motivation, I don't know what is.

I know Barca also have their list and that is why I expect either one of the greatest finals ever or a very cagey affair depending on how both managers approach the game.

Back to the here and now. Barca and Man U must handle their business in the second leg before we get so engrossed in the final. Imagine if it ends up being a Schalke - Real final!!! Everyone would be shell shocked!

@ Maichblak.....If you look at the Man utd line up which will probably face Barca you have to ask yourself who is there in midfield to control Xavi, Messi & Iniesta....Carrick? Fletcher? Anderson? This is where the game will be won, one way or another you'll need to defend more than Barca. SAF can change all his tactics but he still has to find some balance in midfield. Barca's game is also very fast so hapa naona Vidic and Rio (who is experienced but very slow) wakihema vibaya. The only way out foe Man Utd would be to throw everyone in front score an early goal and defend the rest of the match.....otherwise naona kichapo of not less than 4 goals hapa.

The BBC veteran sports' analyst, Lawro has this to say about aseno-Man U game this sunday....

"I was in Germany to see United play superbly against Schalke in the Champions League, but I think people need to keep a lid on things - the opposition was hopeless. I think Fergie will approach the game like a Champions League away tie and be happy to take a draw.

Prediction: 1-1"


I can't agree more.

Fergie knows very well that the easiest way to hit aseno is to sit back and hit them on the break. This works well and it has worked very well before. Let no one be tempted to think that the 3-1 Man U win against aseno in UCL a few yrs back was as a result of attacking open play by United. All the three Man U goals on that night were as a result of counter attacking soccer.

Another thing we must all appreciate is that there is nothing harder than playing an EPL match on a subsequent weekend after having played a midweek Champions League game.

Giggs will NOT be on the bench. He'll get the day off. He plays next against Schalke or Chelsea.