United aims for biggest surprise
Source: Agencies |
May 28, 2011, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FOR once, it would be a surprise if Manchester United wins tonight.
Barcelona has already clinched a third straight Spanish title and such is the fashion in which Lionel Messi and his teammates routinely frustrate and dismantle opponents that few expect to see United victorious when the teams meet in tonight's Champions League final at Wembley.
A Barcelona win is so widely anticipated that British bookmakers rate a side that has just won a record 19th English title the biggest Champions League final outsider for more than a decade.
But odds of 3-1 against United winning are more a reflection of the amount of money wagered on 21-20 shot Barcelona than any shortcomings in a side that advanced to the final without conceding an away goal and is drawing close to two decades of dominance in England.
"It doesn't bother us who is favorite and who is not," United midfielder Michael Carrick said. "It is about performing in a one-off game. We respect them for what they are and the strengths they have. We are well aware of how they play but at the same time it is about us as well."
Passing football
Barcelona's passing football has secured close to two-thirds possession in this seasons Champions League matches against supposedly Europe's best sides.
But if United can score first at a venue where both teams won the first of their three European Cup titles, things could be different. "They haven't only got talent; they work well in defense, they have many variants in attack," Barcelona midfielder Xavi said. "If they score a goal, they close up at the back and play on the counter, they have a lot of tactical options."
Striker Wayne Rooney is likely to sit deep behind Javier Hernandez for United, with David Villa dovetailing with Messi for Barcelona.
With a penalty shootout to follow if neither team wins through regular or extra time, one side will depart Wembley level with Bayern Munich and Ajax on four titles. Only Real Madrid, AC Milan and Liverpool have won more.
Barcelona has already clinched a third straight Spanish title and such is the fashion in which Lionel Messi and his teammates routinely frustrate and dismantle opponents that few expect to see United victorious when the teams meet in tonight's Champions League final at Wembley.
A Barcelona win is so widely anticipated that British bookmakers rate a side that has just won a record 19th English title the biggest Champions League final outsider for more than a decade.
But odds of 3-1 against United winning are more a reflection of the amount of money wagered on 21-20 shot Barcelona than any shortcomings in a side that advanced to the final without conceding an away goal and is drawing close to two decades of dominance in England.
"It doesn't bother us who is favorite and who is not," United midfielder Michael Carrick said. "It is about performing in a one-off game. We respect them for what they are and the strengths they have. We are well aware of how they play but at the same time it is about us as well."
Passing football
Barcelona's passing football has secured close to two-thirds possession in this seasons Champions League matches against supposedly Europe's best sides.
But if United can score first at a venue where both teams won the first of their three European Cup titles, things could be different. "They haven't only got talent; they work well in defense, they have many variants in attack," Barcelona midfielder Xavi said. "If they score a goal, they close up at the back and play on the counter, they have a lot of tactical options."
Striker Wayne Rooney is likely to sit deep behind Javier Hernandez for United, with David Villa dovetailing with Messi for Barcelona.
With a penalty shootout to follow if neither team wins through regular or extra time, one side will depart Wembley level with Bayern Munich and Ajax on four titles. Only Real Madrid, AC Milan and Liverpool have won more.
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