: Thu May 28, 2009 7:15 am  

Hugely disappointed with last night. I don't mind the losing, it's the way we lost. Better side for 10 minutes and could have been ahead then one goal against us and we seem to just collapse and show no fight.

Game was obviously won in midfield and unfortunately our players in there just did not show, Carrick, Anderson and Giggs all played arguably their worst games this season and against a side like Barca who keep the ball so well it became one way traffic.

Barca's pressing in defence was also a major factor and due to our poor midfield we had to end up hitting longer balls and sebsequently turning over the ball.

We need better balance for next season in midfield, I hate seeing Rooney wasted on the left.

: Thu May 28, 2009 7:21 am  

Hargreaves back next year. think we'll see less and less of giggs. saddens me to say it but he's starting to look his age and a midfielder can't be caught out like he was at the top level.

: Thu May 28, 2009 7:43 am  

Was it a case of United's midfield playing badly or simply that they weren't used to playing against players of the class of Iniesta and Xavi?

United's midfield has been impressive this year but their task is usually fairly simple - get the ball to Ronaldo & Rooney. They are rarely called on to win games in their own right and can usually rely on opponents to give them ample possesion.

It looked to me that United really need a genuine playmaker, something they havent had since Scholes was in his prime.

: Thu May 28, 2009 7:49 am  

Catalancs wrote: source? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... field.html

Catalancs wrote: source? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... field.html

: Thu May 28, 2009 7:59 am  

Cibaman wrote:

Was it a case of United's midfield playing badly or simply that they weren't used to playing against players of the class of Iniesta and Xavi?
United's midfield has been impressive this year but their task is usually fairly simple - get the ball to Ronaldo & Rooney. They are rarely called on to win games in their own right and can usually rely on opponents to give them ample possesion.

It looked to me that United really need a genuine playmaker, something they havent had since Scholes was in his prime.

As ever, bit of both. United's midfield were poor, unable to find a white shirt most of the time. Having said that, Barcelona were excellent and United can have no complaints.

Not sure bringing Tevez on at half time was the smartest of moves - throwing forwards at Barcelona doesn't help when you're a goal down. Althought it ultimately failed, maybe a Chelsea-esque 'park the bus' was the way to start the game after all. Again, having said that, had United taken the lead when they looked likely to do so, it could all have been so different.

It's been a mental football season. I need a lie down.

: Thu May 28, 2009 8:02 am  

No complaints in getting beat.

We were outplayed in midfield, with xavi and iniesta being world class. We just seemed to give away possession too easily. We didnt really create anything either in my opinion.

I still think that Messi was on a different planet to everyone else, his goal was superb.

But we'll make do with the three trophies won and be back in europe next year.

: Thu May 28, 2009 8:05 am  

Robbie Rotten wrote:

:lol: I'm a geek but the game's so sh'it I can only play one game mode

You were unlucky tonight. You started well and I said to my mate "this is gonna be so one sided, it'll be embarrassing for Barca", but it seemed that goal just knocked the stuffing out of you, and you always seemed afraid to throw numbers forward, which isn't like United. They're a top side, and in a one off game, you can't afford to defend for 90 minutes, so you had to try and take them on, and with players like Iniesta and Xavi, they can pick you off at ease.

Still, 2 CL finals in a row is something to be proud of. I think Fergie could have done better with the team selection, but that's all ifs and buts now.

Jesus, a liverpool fan who talks sense.

: Thu May 28, 2009 8:15 am  

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/championsleague/5389210/European-clubs-face-uneven-prize-money-playing-field.html

cheers

: Thu May 28, 2009 8:29 am  

Cibaman wrote:

Was it a case of United's midfield playing badly or simply that they weren't used to playing against players of the class of Iniesta and Xavi?

both.

Iniesta & Xavi are immense - we should know that from Spain's performances last summer.

: Thu May 28, 2009 8:49 am  

Catalancs wrote:

Hargreaves back next year. think we'll see less and less of giggs. saddens me to say it but he's starting to look his age and a midfielder can't be caught out like he was at the top level.

That the same Ryan Giggs who is player of the year?