08/09 Review : Ferdinand

Rio captained United whenever Neville and Giggs were both absent


Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell found no way past Rio as the Reds kept one of 14 consecutive clean sheets


Rio and defensive partner Nemanja Vidic enjoyed getting their hands on the Club World Cup trophy


Rio kept a close eye on Adriano when United faced Inter


Rio skippered the Reds to victory in the Carling Cup final


Ferdinand was instrumental in United's 1-0 away win over Porto


Rio clearly enjoyed Ronaldo's free-kick against Arsenal at the Emirates


Rio Ferdinand has now won four Premier League titles with United

A defensive cornerstone and regular wearer of the captain's armband, Rio has continued to set standards...

When it comes to raising the bar, United are masters. This season it was the Reds’ defending that hit new heights, with the contribution by Rio Ferdinand central to the mid-season surge that provided a title-winning platform. The England centre-half also played a hefty part as Edwin van der Sar enjoyed a virtually trouble-free passage to a new league shutout record.

Start to finish: Ferdinand was one of five Reds shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the Londoner barely put a foot wrong in the league this season. He may have been (marginally) overshadowed by the fortitude of Nemanja Vidic, but his consistency was instrumental to the Reds’ resolute defensive effort. Following a brief absence from the side at the start of April, having suffered a groin injury on international duty, his importance to the side was made crystal clear when he returned. Shutouts against Porto and Everton ensued, and the United defence recaptured its air of invincibility.

In position: Ferdinand did, as ever, lend his aerial prowess to United’s attacking set-pieces, but otherwise tended to sit tight in his centre-half berth, doing what he does best. Vidic was his main defensive partner, though he and Jonny Evans also impressed.

Season highlight: Reds fans trooped away from Stamford Bridge in September disappointed that a late equaliser had denied United the victory required to ignite the title defence. Yet Rio had put in an immense shift to ensure that United didn’t leave west London empty-handed. Facing a sustained second-half Chelsea surge, Ferdinand galvanised those alongside him to keep Drogba and Anelka at bay.

Vital contribution: Ferdinand’s biggest impact was the way he helped young Evans seamlessly slot into the side in September. Evans repaid his mentor by confidently standing in for him over the new year.

Any lows? Ferdinand’s back problems meant Sir Alex had to do without his defensive lynchpin for most of January. The defender did, though, make a swift recovery from the groin injury that threatened to derail the end of his season. Any other business? He’s got two years to go on his current contract, but Rio told GQ magazine he’s thinking about the future: “I wake up more and more thinking that I’d like to be a manager,” he said.

Reds on World Cup duty

United's season may have ended more than a week ago but the onset of international football means there’s no let up for many of the players this weekend.

Carlos Tevez, for example, is in Argentina's squad to face Colombia and Ecuador in the qualifiers. He could feature in the same eleven as ex-Reds Gabriel Heinze and Juan Sebastian Veron plus Champions League final foe Lionel Messi.

Also in South America, Anderson has been included in Carlos Dunga’s squad for Brazil’s two World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup to follow.

The England squad in Kazakhstan features two Reds - Wayne Rooney will presumably revel in playing a free role up front, while Gary Neville would bring considerable experience to a back four shorn of Rio Ferdinand. The injured Rio has been replaced in the party by Bolton's Gary Cahill; also absent is Michael Carrick due to a foot problem.

Promising young United midfielder Corry Evans is due to make his first appearance for Northern Ireland, in the same side as his brother Jonny. Nigel Worthington's team will take on Italy in a friendly in picturesque Pisa.

Meanwhile the Republic of Ireland should have John O'Shea in their side to face Dimitar Berbatov's Bulgaria. However, Darron Gibson has been ruled out

Wayne wants central role

Wayne Rooney admits he may have to become more selfish to secure himself his preferred role as a central striker in Sir Alex Ferguson's blueprint.

The firebrand Merseysider is relishing the chance to line up as England's out-and-out forward against Kazakhstan this weekend, having been deployed on the left side of United's attack during the latter stages of the season.

“The position I play for England is the one I like playing most,” Rooney told a press conference. "I haven’t played that position for a while for United.

"When you're playing out on the left you have responsibilities to get back a bit more. Sometimes that takes away a bit of energy from your attacking.

"It’s the manager’s choice. I’ve always said my best position is playing up front. Maybe I need to be more selfish to get the role I want."

Rooney enjoyed his second-highest scoring season with United last term, bagging 20 goals from 49 appearances.

Rooney eyes record

Rooney wants to be a record breaker

Wayne Rooney last night admitted he wants to become the first man to score 50 England goals - and become the country's greatest record-breaker. In-form Rooney, thrilled by getting the licence to attack with England that he is denied by his left-sided role at Manchester United, arrived in Kazakhstan late on Wednesday in a rich vein of international scoring form. Sir Bobby Charlton's 49-goal tally remains the chart leader for England, 37 years after he ended his career after 106 caps. And while Rooney is behind that mark with 21 so far, he said: "Of course I would love to become the leading England goal-scorer. I'm still a long way away but it's something I am looking at and it would be a privilege if I could do that. Looking at the way my career has gone, I do think it's possible. Since I signed for United, playing in the Champions League has given me a lot of experience and that's showing in my last year for England. Now I'm enjoying playing for England more than I ever have. That's because of the way we're playing and the fact that we're winning - when you are winning you will enjoy it."
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror

Brace yourself for déjà vu. In transfer news, widespread reports suggest Real Madrid are again going to spend the summer chasing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Daily Mirror says United will sell the winger for £75million, while The Independent claims Real have to sign Ronaldo, or else face a £26million penalty after signing a pre-contract agreement with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, last summer.

Round up by Steve Bartram

Valencia coming to OT

United will face Valencia in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

The La Liga side, which currently boasts the likes of Spanish internationals David Villa and David Silva, will travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday, 5 August, for a game which will kick off at 20:00 BST.

United have faced Valencia six times before in competitive matches, with Old Trafford hosting the most recent meeting in February 2001, a 1-1 Champions League draw.

The friendly will follow July's four-game Asia Tour and two matches in Munich for the Audi Cup, and will set Sir Alex Ferguson's side up for the Community Shield clash with Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday 9 August.

Ticket information will be announced in Ticket News on ManUtd.com in due course.

08/09 Review: Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves training before the Champions League final in Rome


Hargreaves takes on Robbie Keane during September's defeat to Liverpool


Hargreaves against Chelsea, one of only two starts he made in 2008/09


Owen battles for the ball in the home goalless draw with Villarreal

Frustration is the only word to describe Owen Hargreaves’ injury-ravaged campaign.

It was maddening for the player himself, after a hugely promising and influential debut season, and infuriating for Sir Alex, denied the midfielder's enforcer qualities - never more evident than in the Champions League final.

Owen's limited involvement due to tendonitis and double knee surgery was a huge blow; his energy, strong tackling and inch-perfect passing were sorely missed, especially in matches against the big four, in which he often excels.

In the defeats to Liverpool (Owen came on as a sub at Anfield) and the Arsenal away loss, you wonder what difference a fully fit Hargreaves would have made. After all, he was brilliant at Anfield in December 2007, and scored that stunning free-kick against the Gunners at OT en route to the 2008 title.

Here’s hoping Dr Richard Steadman has worked his magic and the tendonitis will be history. One thing is sure: Hargreaves will put in the hard yards to be fit for 2009/10.

Summer qualifiers for Reds

The season may be over, but a number of Reds will be in international action over the coming weeks before heading off on their summer holidays.

United have four representatives in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra. Gary Neville has been recalled by Fabio Capello, while Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney are also included.

Meanwhile, strikers Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell, as well as goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who spent the season on loan at Cardiff, have been named in Stuart Pearce's squad for the Under-21 European Championships in June. Federico Macheda has been picked in Italy's provisional squad for the tournament in Sweden with Zoran Tosic included in Serbia's squad.

Nemanja Vidic is named in the Serbian senior team for the World Cup qualifiers at home to Austria and away to the Faroe Islands, while John O'Shea and Darron Gibson are in the Republic of Ireland squad for the qualifier away to Dimitar Berbatov's Bulgarian side on 6 June.

On the same night, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani travel with Portugal for the qualifier in Albania, while Carlos Tevez's Argentina take on Colombia in Buenos Aires, before a trip to Ecuador four days later.

It looks like being a busy summer for Ji-sung Park who is likely to be involved in all three of South Korea's qualifiers against United Arab Emirates (6 June), Saudi Arabia (10 June) and Iran (17 June).

Blog : Time for perspective

I heard a multitude of reasons, from various people – ex-players, journalists, fans – as to why United lost in Rome on Wednesday. The natural reaction to defeat in such a big game is to go overboard with analysis, hence why today’s newspapers are filled with tales of another rebuilding job.

Three months ago United were the greatest team on the planet, an unstoppable force. Everyone thinks they know best when the team loses. My take, for what it’s worth, was that United were a bit unlucky to concede after dominating the first ten minutes, but once Barcelona were in front, they were excellent with the ball, we weren’t. They performed on the night, we didn’t.

I don’t believe mass changes are needed this summer – let’s not forget that United were a poor penalty decision in the FA Cup (and then of course a final with Chelsea) and one good Champions League display away from a potential quintuple. This is far from a disaster, even though the in-depth post-mortems would have you think it was.

There were two points keenly debated on the plane home from Rome that got me thinking about next season and whether United’s approach could change. The first, was United’s midfield. One journalist I was sat next talked about the midfielders we could – or rather could not – sign this summer, saying that he thought our midfield was the third best in England behind Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s.

But looking at the constituent parts, United have excellent players; Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. But we need a fit Hargreaves, and Anderson, who will be a

wonderful player, to add the maturity and consistency that comes with age. I don’t think United need to add anyone in the middle, but that brings me to my second point: Wayne Rooney’s position.

There have been times when playing Rooney out wide on the left has worked a treat this season – the interchanging front three against Arsenal in Europe were a prime example – and it’s still an option. Don’t get me wrong, when I chose the team I wanted to play against Barcelona, I had Rooney wide left. But as we saw with Liverpool, their positional experimentation with Steven Gerrard eventually led to bringing him infield, and I think Rooney will eventually follow suit and play behind the main striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets the individual accolades – deservedly so – because he’s capable of match-winning moments of magic, but I think Rooney is the key man for United. The team can play badly and Ronaldo can get a goal to win a game; but when Rooney plays well, United play well. He is the player I would build my team around. So, if United were to dip into the transfer market this summer, I’d rather see us go for a left winger.

You could take the media’s speculation about rebuilding as a mark of respect for United’s high standards, but it strikes me as a knee-jerk reaction; I bow to Sir Alex’s superiority. He knows better than anyone what's needed, I just hope that includes bringing Rooney into a central position where he can cause maximum devastation.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Time to rebuild

Tevez, Nani and Park set to be ditched
Sir Alex Ferguson will reshape his humiliated Manchester United squad after their Champions League debacle against Barcelona. Shell-shocked Fergie has decided he will not take up the option to buy Carlos Tevez, while Nani and Ji-Sung Park could also be high-profile victims of the Rome drubbing. The United manager believes Lyon’s Karim Benzema represents better value for money than Tevez – and to meet Lyon’s £30million asking price there will be fall guys. Nani has failed to impress in his second season at United, while Park may be sacrificed so Fergie can bring in Wigan’s £15m-rated midfielder Antonio Valencia, a long-term target. Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is on his way out this summer after failing to impress in three years, with Fergie keen to give England goalkeeper Ben Foster more first-team opportunities next season. United will not take up the option to buy Tevez unless the player’s advisers, led by Kia Joorabchian, lower their asking price by a third to around £18m.
David McDonnell & John Cross, The Mirror

Meanwhile, The Sun claim Cristiano Ronaldo is about to "throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford". If he does, The Express believe he won't be going to Real Madrid. The paper report Madrid have stopped their pursuit of the Reds winger.

There's some surprising news in The Guardian and The Mail, with claims that Paul Scholes is considering a player-coach role at Stoke City. Scholes has recently admitted he would relish the challenge of management in the future.

Round up by Nick Coppack

For the Best Match and the best Team ... congratz for Azulgrana

United players after going 2-0 down


Cristiano Ronaldo evades a tackle from Yaya Toure


Samuel Eto'o scores Barcelona's first goal


Barcelona players pressurised the ball all night


Edwin van der Sar is beaten by Messi's header for Barcelona's killer second goal


Lionel Messi holds a boot aloft in triumph as he celebrates scoring past Edwin van der Sar


Barcelona captain Carles Puyol holds the European Cup aloft


Sir Alex and his players look dejected after defeat in the Champions League final


Darren Fletcher looks on in disappointment in Rome


Sir Alex Ferguson graciously congratulates his former player Gerard Pique

No complaints from Rio

"We just didn’t play well as a collective team and we didn’t play well as individuals. If you don’t do that at times like this then you don’t deserve to win. We’ve got no qualms, we weren’t good enough, we didn’t play the way we can. If you do that in a final, you tend to get beat. You've got to give credit to Barcelona, they played well. We needed to play our best football and we just didn't produce it."

- Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says United were simply not good enough on the night as the Reds lost their European crown to a hugely impressive Barcelona side.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi in each half secured a deserved victory for the Spaniards. Ferdinand was magnanimous in defeat, but remained hugely disappointed by United's uncharacteristic showing.

"We just didn’t play well as a collective team and we didn’t play well as individuals," he told MUTV. "If you don’t do that at times like this then you don’t deserve to win.

"We’ve got no qualms, we weren’t good enough, we didn’t play the way we can. If you do that in a final, you tend to get beat. You've got to give credit to Barcelona, they played well. We needed to play our best football and we just didn't produce it."

While defeat was hard to take, Ferdinand insists United are proud of the season's achievements and will learn from the experience in Rome.

“We were all aware we’d had a good season up to now and the last day of it would determine how our summer goes," he explained. "It’s a bit of a low point to finish it on but we’ve got strong characters in the squad and I’m sure we’ll be back next season."

Sir Alex : We missed Fletch

Darren Fletcher was perhaps the perfect player to disrupt Barcelona's possession football, and Sir Alex Ferguson's fears before the game that the suspended midfielder would be a great loss sadly proved prophetic.

The Reds boss recognises that Barcelona also had players missing through suspension, but from a United point of view Fletcher would have been key in disrupting the flow of passes from Andres Iniesta and Xavi to the front three of Eto'o, Henry and Messi.

"I thought before the game it may have been a problem," said Sir Alex.

"I knew it might count against us because he is a big-game player and he was a big loss. It's difficult to say how big, and they had players missing too, but it showed for us tonight."

Fletcher's ability to cover every blade of grass in the middle of the park would have been an asset as United tried to regain possession - but keeping the ball was also a problem.

"The simple reason we lost was possession," Sir Alex added. "You have to wait minutes to get it back off Barcelona but when we did get it, we didn't do anything with it.

"That was the disappointment, our use of the ball when we had it.

"We recognised beforehand their strength was their central midfielders. It wasn't really Messi who was the problem. It was Iniesta and Xavi. They can keep the ball all night long.

"You have to give credit to a very good Barcelona team. If they get in front of you they are very difficult to beat."

Blog : We'll learn from this lesson

After reading a lot of threads on the Talking Reds message board, covering a lot of different opinions, I thought I'd post my views.

As poor as some individual performances were last night, I think there is a very good reason for this - every time a United player got the ball there were usually at least two opposition players chasing him down and pressurising him into making a mistake. Yes, the Reds should have done better and dealt with this but credit to Barcelona's off-the-ball play.

In contrast, I noticed there was simply too much space and time for Barcelona's players between the 18-yard line and the halfway line in our half. The killer second goal came as a result of them being able to controll the ball, run with it and pick out the cross with no pressure. It happened all night - we allowed them to play and pass easily.

I don't think that Rooney should play on the left wing, he just wasn't effective, but we didn't have anyone else to do the job there last night and maybe that needs looking at.

I agree with Sir Alex's decision to play Ronaldo up front, largely because I don't think he would have tracked back if he played on the wing, but it's another area that requires consideration. We have Tevez (or maybe not next season?), Berbatov and Rooney, all of them strikers but two started on the bench and one on the left wing. For me, the team didn't look balanced.

As much as I like Park and the energy he puts in, the class of Barcelona's players really showed against him on the night; same goes for Anderson. Overall I think Barcelona were just the better side. It wasn't a case of our players not being able to play - Barcelona just stopped us and made us look like the lesser side.

Off the ball they chased and pressured us. On the ball they were composed and had too much time. Iniesta and Xavi, in particular, were excellent.

The difference between the teams last night was a bit worrying for me. But we will learn from this and come back better and stronger.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Papers : Rooney hails Iniesta

Wayne: We're in Roo-ins
Wayne Rooney surveyed the ruins of Manchester United's Champions League dream and admitted: We lost to the best team in the world. But the heartbroken Old Trafford star refused to hail Barca's Lionel Messi and instead dubbed Andres Iniesta the world's best player. Rooney said: "It's disappointing, but I thought Barcelona were the better team tonight and deserved to win. They scored a good goal early on and Messi's was a great goal at a difficult time for us. They deserved to win. I've never played against a better team than this Barcelona. They're a brilliant team." A Samuel Eto'o toe-poke on 10 minutes and Messi's soaring header after 70 underlined Barca's superiority here in Rome. But Rooney added: "Iniesta for me is the best player in the world, he's incredible."
Neil Custis & Antony Kastrinakis, The Sun

The papers, like our message board, are packed full of post-mortems on United's failure to retain the Champions League and little of it makes happy reading (or repeating here!)

Credit where credit's due, though, and there are plenty of pundits and press-men raving about the victors Barcelona, including their former manager Terry Venables. Writing in The Sun, 'El Tel' says Lionel Messi "finally showed us what he can do... Guardiola pulled off a surprise by playing his most prized asset in the hole - and in the process probably changed the destination of the European Cup."

Round up by Adam Bostock

Barcelona 2 United 0

We were told this Champions League final would be a game displaying the beauty of the counter-attack; no two teams in Europe more adept at carrying it out. But United would certainly have hoped not to be so heartbreakingly on the end of its devastation.

Twice United looked to be in control of proceedings here in Rome, and both times Barcelona hit the Reds on the break as goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi secured a 2-0 win for the Spanish champions. Make no mistake, the intricate passing football of Pepe Guardiola's side was brilliant at times, and there is no real injustice in the result.

That said, United could have been two or three goals up inside the first seven or eight minutes but, sad to say, this was to be Barcelona’s night.

Sir Alex went with the team many predicted, full of pace and set up to counter. There were no real surprises in the Barcelona outfit either, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry recovering from recent injuries to take their place in the starting line-up.

Gary Neville was the noticeable absentee from United’s 18-man squad. The Reds skipper lost out to Rafael on the bench. And even in choosing the young Brazilian’s speed over Neville’s experience, it said everything about the type of game Sir Alex sought to play.

As kick-off approached, the teams tantalisingly walked past the trophy both clubs so keenly covet. Sir Alex passionately feels that his side have not triumphed in Europe enough but Barcelona, going for their third European title, would say the same. And so the stage was set for one of the most eagerly-anticipated finals in years.

The fans roared on the Reds, playing in white, as Anderson earned an early free-kick with a cheeky nutmeg. Ronaldo inevitably smacked the resulting 25-yard set-piece goalwards. Victor Valdes struggled to stop it and spilled the ball back into Ji-sung Park’s path. But Gerard Pique blocked the rebound from the Korean, who was the first player from his country to play in a Champions League final.

It was a blistering start from United, attacking as expected down Barcelona’s exposed flanks. And on seven minutes Ronaldo, playing as a threatening central striker, sent another shot fizzing at Valdes. Seconds later another opportunity came his way. This time he chested a ball down in the area and fired a left-footed volley narrowly wide.

Barcelona’s fans were muted, their team were being outplayed. But in their side’s first real foray forward after ten minutes, the Catalans scored. Iniesta made a piercing run forward and fed Samuel Eto’o on the right; the Cameroon international cut inside Nemanja Vidic and poked the ball past Edwin van der Sar from eight yards. It was completely against the run of play, but this was always bound to be a contest punctuated by breakaways. Now United were on the ropes, and composure was needed.

Barcelona’s play was typified by Iniesta, who orchestrated their imposing short possession game. United had lost the speed that characterised the team’s early attacks and seemingly some of the patience to wait and pick the right pass. The fans didn’t lose hope, however, and in Ronaldo the Reds always had a threat, some hope, but something would have to change in the second half for United to turn the final around.

Sir Alex wasted no time and replaced Anderson with Carlos Tevez at the break. Could the Argentine make the crucial influence as he has done so many times this season? The Reds nearly weren’t given a chance to find out as Henry twisted and turned to beat Ferdinand before forcing an excellent point-blank save from van der Sar four minutes into the second half. Then on 52 minutes Xavi hit the post with a free-kick after Park’s foul on Iniesta.

After that the Reds had a really good spell of possession. The Barcelona fans whistled, largely because they knew United were becoming a threat. Rooney, now playing on the right, swung in a cross switch Ronaldo and Park both narrowly missed. Another right-wing Rooney cross was blocked by Pique, while the resulting corner almost found Vidic, who rose above the Barcelona defence. Promising, but not potent enough.

Sir Alex then made sure he had all his trump cards on the table, bringing off Park and putting on Dimitar Berbatov to join Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez in attack. But again United’s attempts were thwarted with 20 minutes to go; Xavi’s cross from the right tempted Messi, probably the smallest player on the pitch, to rise and head in a second for Barcelona. United had gambled – simply had to – and had again been hit on the break.

The final minutes were galling for United as Barcelona’s supporters cheered their team’s every touch. The Reds never stopped running or trying to attack however, as the fans who almost painfully sang; ‘We’ll never die…’. How true. Responding to adversity is a character trait ingrained in the club. Sometimes you have to suffer lows to revel in the highs. This wasn’t United’s greatest showing, but one thing is certain, this team will be back.

Ryan : Still a fantastic season

Ryan Giggs is looking on the bright side of United's epic campaign, despite the major disappointment of losing a European Cup final for the first time.

The 0-2 loss to Barcelona was the 66th result of a season in which the Reds have won four trophies - Barclays Premier League, Club World Cup, Carling Cup and Community Shield - and almost won three others - the Super Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.

"It’s been a fantastic season when you consider what we’ve achieved this year – including our third league title on the trot," Ryan told MUTV.

"We just fell at the final hurdle. No team has defended the Champions League, it's a very difficult trophy to win. We deserved to get to the final but we didn’t deserve to win.

"Barcelona did deserve to win. They are a good team and if they go one-nil up, they’re the best in the business at keeping the ball. They can make teams look ordinary.

"We didn’t really recover after conceding the first goal. In the second half we improved a bit but it just wasn’t to be."

Giggs and co will now strive to reclaim the trophy next term, when the final's in Madrid.

"That’s what we’ll be aiming for," said Ryan. "Big teams have disappointments but they bounce back. That’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

Carrick's wounded pride

"We can be proud of what we’ve achieved in the last two years, but (this defeat) is hard to take."

- Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick insists United can feel proud after blazing a two-year trail through Europe - but admits the untimely end of that run is a bitter pill to swallow.

The Reds' 2-0 reverse to Barcelona in Rome was the club's first defeat in the Champions League since the semi-final of 2007, when Carrick was coming to the end of his first campaign at Old Trafford. He's since lifted the famous trophy of course and was 90 minutes away from doing it again when he kicked off with his comrades at Stadio Olimpico.

"We had high expectations of wanting to play well and to win but it didn’t work out for us on the night," Michael told MUTV.

“We started very well and made chances and if we’d scored one then maybe it would have been a different game. After that, things didn’t go right for us really. We still had opportunities to score but we just didn’t take them.

“Credit to Barcelona though – they’re a good team with good players and they deserved to win tonight. We can’t argue about that."

“We had gone unbeaten in this competition for two years and sadly it’s come to an end on the wrong night. I think we can be proud of what we’ve achieved in the last couple of years, but it’s hard to take.

“However, the club moves on, we have to move on and come back stronger next season. We’ve got to defend the Premier League title and go again in this competition.

"That’s what we’re here for.”

Treble : Champions League

Part Three: Champions League 26 May 1999, Nou Camp

MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Sheringham 90+1, Solskjaer 90+3

BAYERN MUNICH 1
Basler 6

United: Schmeichel ©; G. Neville, Johnsen, Stam, Irwin; Giggs, Beckham, Butt, Blomqvist (Sheringham 67); Cole (Solskjaer 81), Yorke.
Subs not used: Van Der Gouw, May, P. Neville, Brown, Greening.

Matchwinner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflects on a historic night in Barcelona…

Bayern were ahead for a long time, but there was a feeling throughout the last six months of the season that if we just kept going we’d get something out of every game.

We were lucky to stay in this one, but then Teddy scored and we knew we could get another. Straight from kick-off I made a diagonal run out to our left, and Denis Irwin played a great pass to me.

Being fresh I got to the ball and managed to turn and face up Kuffour. I tried a stepover and he nicked it out for a corner, but I was happy with that. I didn’t think about what happened next. I was too focused. I was playing on instinct.

Kuffour was marking me. He grabbed my shirt, but then forgot about me when the ball came over. He was busy looking at Teddy, so that was my chance to get away and the ball just landed on my toe.

My main memory of what followed was all the subs being in amongst the celebrations, that and almost being strangled by everyone!

Match Pack : Barcelona

United bid to retain the Champions League, with Barcelona awaiting in Rome...

Form Guide: In 14 games since March's back-to-back Premier League defeats, United have won 11 and drawn three games, ensuring an 18th league title and a berth in Rome. The final victory of that run came at Hull on Sunday, where Sir Alex Ferguson had the luxury of resting a hatful of players who are likely to start on Wednesday. Barcelona have also been resting players ever since they clinched their own domestic crown, meaning little can be read into successive La Liga defeats against Mallorca and Osasuna.

Ins and Outs: Suspension rules out Darren Fletcher for United, while Barca are hampered by the absence of banned defenders Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves. The Catalans are still closely monitoring the fitness of key duo Andrés Iniesta (thigh) and Thierry Henry (knee), with both players confident of featuring. Similarly hopeful of lining up at the Stadio Olimpico is United's Rio Ferdinand, who is on course to return from a calf injury

Star Man: Take your pick. The tie is inevitably being billed as a battle between Ballon D'Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo and pocket genius Lionel Messi, but rarely can a supporting cast have been so star-studded. Two teams packed full of potential match-winners.

Referee: Massimo Busacca will be the man in the middle. This will be the 44-year-old Swiss official's 33rd Champions League tie, with his last outing coming as United overcame Porto in Portugal.

Blog : You can't beat Barcelona

United legend Paddy Crerand says the emotions he experienced at the Nou Camp, Barcelona, on 26 May 1999, will take some topping...

Those incredible last few minutes of the 1999 season were the best in football for me, and that includes playing in the final myself at Wembley in 1968. It was the most emotional way to win a football match; you won’t beat it for drama, and it was so poignant, falling on Matt Busby’s birthday.

The Treble was about much more than Barcelona, of course. Ryan Giggs’ goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal sticks out a mile. Everybody thought it was gone when Dennis Bergkamp took his penalty. I’ll always remember three United fans behind the goal walking out before he’d even taken the penalty, then quickly running back! On so many occasions that season it was last minute, last kick and last gasp - they should have known better.

Those games against Arsenal were fantastic – as semi-finals they won’t ever be surpassed in English football. They were magnificent. My nerves were shredded, and not just then; fans went through the mill every week, and I’ll never know how the manager got through that season.

Maybe the answer was in the group of players. Off the pitch and on it, they were great. Everybody asks me which United team is the best ever. I always say the 1999 side. They won the Treble. Nobody’s done it before or since. For me, they’ll be the best until we see what this current team can do…

Winning the Treble is some target, though, and being a previous European Cup winner with United, that night at the Nou Camp still means a lot to me. It meant more as a fan than a player, because I experienced everything around the game. For the match itself I was sat with some of the 1968 winners and we went absolutely

potty when Ole’s goal went in. Everyone in the stadium did, you couldn’t believe what you were seeing. There were grown men crying; the scenes were incredible.

Part of me – no matter how small – felt sorry for Bayern, especially as their fans in Barcelona that night took it so well. But it was United’s night. Everything came together, that evening and all season. Barcelona is a beautiful city, a football city with a historic football stadium. The final should be held there every year. But even if it was, it wouldn’t ever have a finish like we all saw and remember so fondly, 10 years on.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Ando relishing 'special' final

Anderson believes the experience of having ruled Europe last season will aid the Reds' bid to do so again in Rome...

What kind of final can we expect on Wednesday?
Everybody knows that United and Barcelona are two great sides and it has all the makings of being a great final and one that will be talked about for many years to come. Getting to play in games like this with the chance to win trophies is the reason why we work so hard every day. I hope to be involved, but just being part of a team that is playing in a final is fantastic and I think it will be a very special occasion for every one of us.

Will you draw on the experience of last season’s showpiece?
Yes, of course. It’s always a great experience to play in a final and you learn many things. You understand how to better deal with certain situations and focus on the little things that you might have missed the last time round.

Will United take confidence from the fact Barcelona have not always done so well against English sides in the last few years?
Not really because every game is different. I’m sure Barcelona will be fully focused on doing well, just like we will be and it should be a great game.

How pleased have you been with your form of late?
I was injured for part of the season and coming back from that was a slow process because I had to get myself right physically and mentally. I’m enjoying my football at the moment and I hope I can keep helping the team to win trophies.

Is the chance to make history by defending the trophy something the players are thinking about?
Of course. We have every intention of winning the trophy, but we would want that anyway no matter whether we were going for back-to-back wins. We always want to win every competition we play in and it’s our aim to do that on Wednesday.

Champions League Final Wallpaper

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it's Only One United
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Carrick: We can do it again

Things couldn't have gone much better for Michael Carrick since joining United in the summer of 2006.

He has developed into one of the finest midfielders in the country and become an integral part of Sir Alex's trophy-winning Red machine, he's the proud owner of three Barclays Premier League titles, as well as Champions League and Club World Cup winners' medals.

And ahead of European football's showpiece final meeting with Barcelona on Wednesday, the 27-year-old tells ManUtd.com he's determined to further boost his and United's trophy haul...

In your opinion is this a final between the two best teams in world football?
Yes, probably. The fact we’ve both won our respective leagues certainly puts us up there as the best two sides in Europe. It’s going to be a huge game and it’s one we’re all looking forward to.

What kind of match are you expecting?
I’m not sure. We thought it would be very open and attacking when we played them last season and in the end there was only one goal over two legs. They can score and create chances at any time, but we believe we can defend well and attack them. There could be a bagful of goals or just one could be the difference - anything could happen, but that’s what makes it such an interesting game.

People talk about the threat of Messi, but the manager has highlighted the dangers posed by Iniesta…
He’s definitely a big player for them. He’s had a great season and scored a few goals, none more important than the one against Chelsea in the semi-final which put them through to the final. I know he’s had a bit of an injury recently, but I’m sure he’ll be fit for Rome and it’ll be a big test to play against him because he’s a really top player.

United can make history by becoming the first side to retain the trophy – is that something you think about as players?
It’s a strange one really because you try not to think about things too much, but at the back of your mind you know how special it could be if we could do it. We’re determined to repeat the feeling we had last season, it was something I’d never experienced before in my life and it really was an unbelievable feeling. To do that again would be incredible.

How big a boost is it to be going into the final as champions of England?
It’s a great boost. Just knowing that you’ve been consistent over a long period of time and have been good enough to finish on top of the pile gives you a lot of belief. We’ve hit good form at the right time and it’s important to reproduce that form on Wednesday.

Darren Fletcher obviously misss the game through suspension – how much do the players want to win it for him?
We’d love to. We’re all still devastated for Fletch, but hopefully we can win it and go some way to making him a bit happier about the situation.

Barcelona classic: Sep '98

This opening gambit in the so-called ‘group of death’ had everything: two teams intent on attacking, memorable goals, a dubious penalty, a red card and a partisan home crowd in full voice.

The Reds raced into a two-goal lead inside 24 minutes, courtesy of a rare Giggs header and a neat Paul Scholes finish, only for Barça to fight back in the second half and level through Sonny Anderson and a Rivaldo penalty (harshly awarded against Jaap Stam).

And still there was no let-up in the attacking. United went back ahead through a trademark David Beckham free kick, before Luis Enrique netted the Catalans’ second spot kick of the night, following a Nicky Butt handball for which he was dismissed.

"Neither team deserved to lose,” Giggs said afterwards. “But that doesn’t mean we’re happy with a point, especially after leading for so long."

United: Schmeichel; G Neville, Stam, Berg, Irwin (P Neville 79); Beckham, Keane, Scholes, Giggs (Blomqvist 84); Solskjaer (Butt 55), Yorke

Fergie can be greatest

Fergie can become the greatest
Will Manchester United versus Barcelona be a great final? Yes. These are two great teams, of course, and obviously there are big expectations, but you must remember that finals are not for playing beautiful football. [If Sir Alex] wins on Wednesday it would make him the greatest club manager. He has made a super team. Three Premier League titles in a row and two Champions League finals – that's really top. They have quality and experience, with Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo and Rooney. They have absolutely everything as a team: strength, mentality, speed, magic, solutions. You need no more words to explain how strong they are.
Jose Mourinho, Daily Telegraph

Yes, you read that right. Jose's clearly missing the English press... his final preview in the Telegraph makes for a great read.

Gary Neville has earned his first England call-up since Fabio Capello took over - he last played against Spain over two years ago. Neville is joined by Ferdinand, Rooney and Carrick in the squad for June's 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Kazahkstan on 6 June and Andorra four days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo insists we won't be in for a 'will he?/won't he?' summer of speculation. He promises. "My heart is here. This is where I want to play. Manchester United is now my house." Brilliantly put, Ronny!

The Independent's Sam Wallace challenges the notion that versatility in a footballer means they suffer by never being able to pin down one position. He says that quality is what has made John O'Shea's United career as the Irishman prepares to start in the Reds' defence in Rome.

The Telegraph praise the young Reds who saw off Hull on Sunday. "United's shadow XI could be classed as unfamiliar, but weak? Hardly," writes Mark Ogden.

Round up by Ben Hibbs

From Hull to heaven?

From Hull City to the Eternal City... you could hardly get two more contrasting locations for two games of professional football.

United's team selection from one game to the next will also be very different - take Wes Brown and Gary Neville out of the equation and the average age of the eleven that lined up against Hull was just 21.

Last week, there was talk of the Reds being sued if they played a reserve team at the KC Stadium but no one is saying that now, after the youngsters did themselves proud. The Reds controlled the game and could have had more goals than Darron Gibson’s stunner.

To be honest though, Hull were abject. They have survived by default. Staying up with just 34 points and after a run of one win from 22 games is quite amazing really.

I must give special praise to Richie De Laet who had a fine debut for United. His story shows that footballing fairytales are possible. The 20 year-old Belgian joined United from Stoke in January – having never played a first-team game for the Potters. His only senior football this season had been three games on loan at Wrexham. And yet he ended the league campaign playing for the Champions!

I spoke to Ritchie after the match and he told me a great story. When Sir Alex announced the team he said Richard was in the starting lineup but De Laet presumed he meant the other Richard in the squad, Eckersley. It was only when the Reds arrived at the KC Stadium ground that Ritchie realised he was the one with a place in the starting lineup! He had

the shock of his life. But what a fine display he produced.

Ninety points and club record-equalling 28 Premier League wins show what a superb season it has been for United. Now there’s just one game left. One more win on Wednesday and it will be arguably, United’s greatest-ever campaign.

The countdown to Rome is now truly on. And if you are not lucky enough to be going to Italy, then MUTV will bring you the full flavour of the Champions League final. For example, don’t miss The Paddy Crerand Show tonight at 18:30 BST, live from Rome. Paddy will be taking your calls as ever – but you’ll hopefully be able to see St Peter’s Basilica in the background rather than Old Trafford!

On Tuesday, I’ll be guiding you through United’s final pre-match training session at the Stadio Olimpico - see the full hour of preparation work live on MUTV from 17.30 BST. You’ll also be able to see Sir Alex Ferguson's press conference in full.

Then on Wednesday, matchday, we'll bring you the very best build-up to the Champions League final throughout the afternoon and evening. Enjoy...

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Rio on course for Rome

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will be fit to start Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome.

The defender has been troubled by a calf injury for the last two-and-a-half weeks, but it was hoped he would play some part in the Reds' final league game of the season at Hull.

His absence raised fears that he was still struggling for Wednesday, but Sir Alex remains hopeful Ferdinand will be ready to face Barcelona.

"Rio is coming along fine," he told MUTV. "He trained on Saturday and today with the other players who were also training. I think he's on course to play on Wednesday."

The only other question marks surround the fitness of Rafael and Wes Brown who both picked up minor knocks in the 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.

"I took Rafael off [as a precaution] and we'll get him checked on Monday, but hopefully he'll be okay," revealed Sir Alex.

"Wes got a little knock, but given that it was his first game back after so long out we're thankful he's come through well overall."

Sir Matt remembered

One of English football's greatest-ever managers was born 100 years ago this Tuesday (26 May) in the Scottish village of Orbiston.

A former Manchester City and Liverpool player, Matt Busby accepted the position of United manager on 19 February 1945, and then joined the club full-time on his demobilisation from the armed forces in October 1945.

Together with his loyal assistant manager Jimmy Murphy, Busby created a team good enough to win the FA Cup in 1948 and to challenge for the League Championship. After finishing runners-up four times, Busby's men won the title in 1952.

Far from being blinded by their success, Busby and Murphy had the foresight to plan ahead and prepare for the day when their first great team would need replacing. The club's scouting system was expanded and reorganised, soon yielding a young team that won the title again in 1956 and 1957 and reached the FA Cup final in 1957. This young team was christened the 'Busby Babes.'

Busby trailblazed the way for English clubs by entering the European Cup in 1956/57 - initially against the wishes of the Football League. United reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual winners Real Madrid.

The following season, 1957/58, bristled with promise and United were still challenging in all three competitions by February when disaster struck. On 6 February 1958, the aeroplane bringing the team home from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade crashed after refuelling in Munich. Twenty-three people were killed, including eight of Busby's players and three club officials.

Busby almost lost his life as well - he was twice given the last rites while lying gravely ill in a German hospital. Fortunately, he survived and returned to Manchester 71 days after the crash. Taking up the managerial reigns again in August 1958, Busby began to rebuild United, bringing in some big money purchases to add to his homegrown talent. The new group of players reached the FA Cup final in 1963 and beat Leicester City 3-1 to claim the club's first trophy after Munich.

League titles followed in 1965 and 1967, giving Busby the chance to conquer Europe in the following seasons. In 1965/66, United reached the semi-finals, just as they had done in 1956/57 and 1957/58. But in 1967/68 they went further, to the final at Wembley where they faced Portuguese side Benfica.

On another night of great emotion, United triumphed 4-1 after extra-time to win the European Cup. It was a fitting tribute to the players and staff killed and injured 10 years before and was Busby's crowning achievement as United manager. Busby retired at the end of the following season, but stayed on as general manager while Wilf McGuinness became the man in charge of the team on a day-to-day basis. The new arrangement lasted little more than a year - on 28 December 1970, Busby was invited by the Directors to return to his old job and replace McGuinness until the end of the season.

A respected figure throughout his career, Busby was awarded the CBE in 1958. Ten years later, was knighted following United's European Cup triumph. In 1993 Warwick Road North, the road which runs past Old Trafford, was renamed Sir Matt Busby Way in honour of the man described as 'Mr Manchester United'.

When, after a short illness, Sir Matt died on 20 January 1994, thousands of people lined the streets of Manchester and similar numbers of shirts, wreaths, pictures and scarves were laid in tribute at Old Trafford. A bronze statue of Sir Matt was unveiled at the stadium on 27 April 1996, as a permanent memorial to the man who epitomised the club.

Five years after Busby's death, United won the European Cup for the first time since 1968. Poignantly, the date of that triumph for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, 26 May 1999, would have been Matt's 90th birthday.

This article is an extract from Sir Matt's profile on ManUtd.com. Read his full profile in our Players & Staff section.

Park's second chance

A year after what Sir Alex Ferguson called "the hardest decision of my life", Ji-sung Park is hoping to fulfill his dream of playing in the Champions League final.

Park was the unlucky player left out of the squad for the final against Chelsea last May. It's still referred to as the "Moscow nightmare" by the press in the winger's native Korea.

Sir Alex recently admitted the decision "broke his heart" and has already assured Park a place in his squad for the game against Barcelona in Rome.

But though he has enjoyed a successful, injury-free campaign for the champions, Park is taking nothing for granted ahead of Wednesday's European showpiece.

"This season has been my best since I joined United. We are champions and I’ve been part of the team," he told Sunday's papers.

"But I won't know until Wednesday whether I am playing, so I will do my best until the final.

"I had the summer to think about missing last season’s final, so when I came back for the new season I had forgotten about it because the future is different. I just believed that we could reach the

final again and hopefully this time I might be in the team."

If he is named in Sir Alex's starting XI – thereby becoming the first Asian player to appear a Champions League final – Park could be charged with shackling mercurial Barça forward Lionel Messi, which he did to great effect in last season's semi-final.

"The position I play in does not matter to me. Either side or in the middle, I will help the team to try to win the game," the 28-year-old added.

"It won't be easy, because Messi’s one of the best players in the world. But we have the experience of facing Barcelona last season, when we did well defensively, so we’ll think about that and concentrate to stop him.

"Barça are the best team in Spain and we are the best team in England so it will be a fantastic final."

Hull 0 United 1

There were smiles all around the KC Stadium at the final whistle, although United took home the points in Hull courtesy of a Darron Gibson screamer.

The Reds, crowned champions last week, finished the season four points clear of Liverpool, while results elsewhere ensured Hull’s top-flight survival and prompted wild celebrations in the stands.

Gibson’s first-half goal – lashed into the top corner from outside the box – settled an entertaining affair that gave United fans plenty of reasons to smile, not least because of how well the Reds’ youngsters acquitted themselves on such a tense occasion.

Only Darren Fletcher – suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League final – remained from the team that drew 0-0 against Arsenal at Old Trafford eight days earlier. Indeed, Sir Alex reshuffled his pack so much that even his left-back – young Belgian defender Ritchie De Laet – will have been unfamiliar to most United fans.

Elsewhere, Lee Martin earned a league debut and Wes Brown returned to action after almost four months on the sidelines. In midfield, Fletcher partnered Gibson in the centre of the park, with Nani and Danny Welbeck on the flanks. Federico Macheda started up front, with Martin playing just behind the Italian.

Hull, playing for their top-flight survival, began brightly and forced two early corners. But the Reds held firm, Kuszczak meeting the second with a confident clearing punch. The Polish stopper was called on again in the eighth minute, this time diving bravely at Craig Fagan’s feet. Young Ritchie De Laet was earning his stripes against the Tigers, too, bombing forward with gusto down the left flank and, in defence, proving why the Reds were moved to secure his services from Stoke City back in January.

With so much at stake for Hull City and so many changes to the United side, it was perhaps understandable that it took 19 minutes for either team to register a shot on target. It came from Nani’s free-kick, centrally located and 30 yards from goal, although it barely troubled Boaz Myhill in the Hull goal.

By stark contrast, United’s second strike on target was nothing short of spectacular and sent the Reds roaring into the lead. Darron Gibson collected Macheda’s pass wide on the left before taking one touch and rifling a shot into the far corner from 25 yards. Regular viewers of the Reserves will have seen Gibson score similar goals on many occasions, but this was the Irishman’s first league strike for the senior side and one he’ll remember for many years.

The goal silenced the home support and things almost went from bad to worse for the Tigers a minute later when Macheda stretched to turn Martin’s low cross goalwards. Myhill was equal to the task on that occasion, however, as was Kuszczak on 36 minutes when Andy Dawson tried his luck from the edge of the box.

Despite a desperate need for points, Hull City created very little in the way of clear-cut openings. Indeed, if there was any element of surprise attached to the scoreline at the break, it was that United were only 1-0 ahead. Sir Alex’s youngsters had bossed possession and regularly looked dangerous in attack.

Hull’s players will have welcomed the half-time whistle and appeared to emerge from the dressing room for the second half revitalised and in more positive frame of mind. An awkward Geovanni cross made life difficult for Kuszczak, who did just enough to snuff out the danger from Nick Barmby’s header, before the Pole saved comfortably on the line from Michael Turner.

At the other end, the Reds stretched Hull on the counter-attack but when chances fell to Fletcher, Gibson and Macheda they all failed to capitalise and extend United’s lead.

Hull enjoyed more possession as the match wore on and the Tigers went in search of an equaliser that would all but ensure their survival. In the end, however, it wasn’t necessary: Villa beat Newcastle, West Ham beat Middlesbrough and Hull lived to fight another season in the top flight.

De Laet's debut delight

"It’s been a great week, signing a contract and making my United debut. You can say it’s been like a dream."

Ritchie De Laet

Ritchie De Laet admits making his United debut on Sunday against Hull City was a dream come true.

The young defender arrived at Old Trafford in a low-key move from Stoke City in January and has since made 14 appearances for the Reserves. But he never expected to play under Sir Alex before the season’s end.

In fact, even when the boss announced his team to play Hull at the KC Stadium, De Laet still wasn’t convinced he was about to run out for the Reds.

“During the team-talk, the manager said Richard, and of course there’s Richard Eckersley in the squad as well,” the 20-year-old told MUTV.” So I wasn’t sure until I asked somebody else and they told me I was playing left-back.

“Then I couldn’t think anymore. Everything went black before my eyes and I was thinking: ‘I just need to do well’. When I came off they said I’d done well so I’ll watch it again tonight and see how I did.”

De Laet was one of United’s best players on the pitch, covering a lot of ground down the left wing and making a number of crucial tackles. For those who have seen him at centre-back for the Reserves, his role out wide raised a few eyebrows, but he revealed he’s comfortable playing anywhere across the back four.

“I’m an all-round defender, to be fair. I like playing on the right and left because I enjoy going forward. When you’re centre-back you can’t do that all day, although I do try! But I really enjoyed today.”

His appearance at the KC Stadium capped a memorable seven days for the Belgian defender.

“I was given a new contract earlier in the week,” he revealed, “so it’s been a great week, signing a contract and making my senior United debut. I didn’t think I’d play a league game this season when I arrived from Stoke... so you can say it’s been like a dream.

“I need to thank [Reserve team coaches] Warren Joyce and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play with the Reserves. [Sir Alex] gave me a chance today and I think I grabbed it. I can enjoy my summer now because I’ve made my debut

“Hopefully I can push on next season and maybe go on loan or be in the first-team squad.”