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...
Ujungpandang Time
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