Apr 30
Man Utd 1-0 Barcelona: Reds March On To Moscow
Crisis? What crisis? That was so easy wasn’t it? Surely we’re going to wallop every team that comes our way from now on, aren’t we?
Okay, let me not attempt to jinx the team anymore, but to quote a certain Scottish manager — I forget his name — football… bloody hell!
United beat Barcelona 1-0 at home to finally reach the finals of the Champions’ League for the first time since ’99. If you are a fan of symbolism, there’s plenty to talk about here; Paul Scholes, the man along with Keane who had to sit out of the final last time, picked out the best possible time for his trademark screamer — something that he hadn’t done since, I believe, the draw against Portsmouth last year; we won our last Champions’ League in Barcelona, and we beat them to get into the final; our last final came on Sir Matt Busby’s 90th birthday, and it would be equally memorable this time as it is on the 50th anniversary year of the Munich disaster; and with our 100% record in Champions’ League finals, I’d fancy us to win it. Bring ‘em on, ‘dippers or Chavs.
Back to the game, the lads gave us a performance that was entirely a contrast to what we’ve managed to witness over the past couple of weeks. It could be said that we didn’t get a home game for a while now, and it showed yesterday, as the crowd was, for a want of a better word, outstanding. The atmosphere was electric, and even I could feel it as I watched it in my home theatre system. Hopefully they didn’t damage their vocal chords too badly because they still have a big job to do against a potential banana skin in West Ham. But that’s for later.
Fergie started with an attack minded 4-4-2 that was full of pace. He said he wanted to give our side every chance of attacking and going for it from the whistle and his staring XI mirrored that. True, the absence of Vidic and Rooney did cast doubts on many fans. And even the start — the first 15 mins or so — of the game was nervy as Barcelona completely hogged possession. But the Ginger Ninja’s goal changed it all, and also came much against the run of play; Ronaldo lost the ball which Zambrotta weakly cleared and it fell nicely for Scholes to send one right past Victor Valdes at full stretch — top stuff, and what a time. And the normally expressionless face of the Prince was all smiles, as he realised what had just happened.
From then on United got its swagger back, and should have really buried the game by half time. But it was not to be and the second half saw Barcelona once again dominated possession without really creating much as the defence came to the fore. There has been much talk from critics saying when push coming to shove, United resort to long ball tactics and containment. I agree, but with the caveat that just about any team, especially the English and Italian ones, resort to this strategy in the Champions’ League. Arsenal, for all their ‘beautiful football’, lumped the ball up to Henry in a 4-5-1 on their path to the Champions’ League final two seasons ago. This was not ugly football in the least. It was a victory for a team that was well organised and had a grasp of the pace of the game. We created enough chances for a team in the lead; a great one-two between Ronaldo and Tevez, some good breaks forward; a couple of gilt edged chances in the penalty area that, on another day, would have gone in.
Now for the performances. The defenders should take credit for yesterday’s display, again. Rio was, as usual, fantastic — I still wonder if we would have actually conceded three goals at the San Siro had Ferdinand played. Hargreaves showed the lung busting energy and his versatility for a make shift right back — and to his credit he has played three games in a week which is something for his injury ravaged season. I think he will be an even better player next season when he gets a nice rest in the summer. Evra played like a man possessed, while Messi did make forays on the right wing it was because Evra spent a lot of time up the pitch. When he was one-on-one with Messi though, he did a good job. And Wes Brown… well, it speaks volumes about his performance if you say Vidic wasn’t missed. Exactly the kind of player you need in your club.
In midfield, Carrick and Scholes did the job that was needed of them. Not spectacular, disciplined in defence and credit must go to them as they were up against Toure, Deco and Xavi.
In attack Nani, was about average because of his wastefulness and lack of decision making, but he will turn out better with every season. Park was brilliant and he has been so in the Champions’ League this season. He is quite easily the most hardworking player on the pitch. He gives everything from constantly running for 90 minutes to tracking back and harrying the opposition. He did everything you could ask for. He’s been forever the forgotten man, but his contribution should never go unnoticed. In my book he was among the men of the match. Ditto for Carlos Tevez. Ran like a mad man; he has an air of Gattuso in him harrying defenders and tracking back — more than making up for the absence of Rooney. Played like his life depended on it.
And finally coming to the person who is usually the focus in big games like these — Cristiano Ronaldo. He wasn’t outstanding, nor was he completely subdued. He was initially played up the park and was hence isolated, but when he moved over to the wing he got more of the ball and his performance was definitely a major improvement over Camp Nou. And not just that: he’s also shown the desire to track back and clear balls out of danger using his aerial presence. A performance from him that showed his understanding of the game more than trying to look clever. He may never have the close control of Messi, but his blistering pace, aerial ability, strength and fitness make him a more rounded player than the Argentine whizkid; you just can’t compare the two at the moment, although considering all of Barca’s attacks went through Messi, credit should be given to the young lad. He’s truly a master in the making — the real deal in Argentina’s production line of ‘next Maradona’s‘.
On the performance, it wasn’t vintage all out attack football — that would be too naive wouldn’t it? It wasn’t ugly, last ditch defending that characterised Liverpool on their path to Istanbul. It was a performance from a side that was assured and knew how to win the game despite all the things Barcelona had to throw at them.
The 1-0 win, was certainly not very good for nerves, but we’ll take it any day wouldn’t we? Credit to all the fans once again.
Next stop West Ham. Hopefully the boys don’t lose their intensity against inferior opposition. After all there’s really no harm in our side going full pelt at this last stretch. Just two games to the title, and another to potentially complete a double, and a famous season, without doubt.
Believe!
We’ll never die!
Fergie’s post-match press conference video
… and extended highlights from yesterday.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Moscow, we’re going to Moscow!
- Manchester United drawn with Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Sir Alex’s men for the third consecutive CL final?
- Wigan 0-2 Man Utd: Reds Seal Title
Tags: Match Reports · UEFA Champions' League
Opti (542)
Stephen (490)
RedDevilEddy (462)
Craig Mc (349)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
I can see Abramovich paying off his players to throw the match right now because I doubt he wants another season of crappy looking football under AV Grant.
I don’t know how we can say that, because Grant is Roman’s puppet. If he wins it, it will be the vindication of Roman more than anyone else because it was him who installed Grant as manager. So Roman can show a big middle finger to the world to fans and say, “I was right!”, however undeserved it may be, amidst heavy opposition.
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I saw a photo of Ronaldo’s new gf who is now wearing an earrings in the shape of the letters R7. Seems he has given up his hooker habit. Worryingly she is Spanish, so I hope she does not nag him into leaving for Spain, because if we did win the double I think Ronaldo might be tempted to leave again.
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Is anyone else worried about the fact that Chelsea will have home field advantage. Roman will be able to bribe whoever he wants out there. Officials will probably be payed a visit from his henchmen.
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RR Grant may be his puppet but then again, he thought there would be an instant tunr around in the style of play. Remember, he is obsessed with attractive football. Grant is no better than Mourinho, in fact he is worse. The difference is he got them to the CL final. Roman knows if he wins the final he has less reason to go get the guy he wants to manage this club. He really wants Guus Hiddink or Rijkaard I feel. Especially after Rijkaard’s remarks about English clubs not playing attractive football. Don’t you think that was an obvious waving of the flag in Roman’s direction to “come get me”? No way does he want the fans to all of a sudden fall in love with the tactically inept Grant. Roman treats Chelsea like his toy and he wants his toy to perform the way he wants it to perform, regardless of winning.
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Honestly Tin Man i think its a serious issue!
Were right in this cunts backyard (The worlds most currupt backyard in the world that is!!)
I dont wANT TO IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT IT IS GOING TO BE FOR US TO BEAT THEM OVER THERE.
I think weve got the beating of Chelsea BUT we need to play our strongest team:
.VDS
.RIO
.VIDIC
.BROWN
.EVRA
.RONALDO
.HARGREAVES
.ANDERSON
.NANI
.ROONEY
.TEVEZ
Big game lads…….just dont wanna even imagine how bad defeat would feel!! Reall hate those mafioso scum.
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[realred]
r u sserious?no scholes??? after that performance against barca…i feel its too early to say any team predictions, but the next 2 games will dictate a lot of things going on..player motivation,form,etc….
just want to see SAF outclass grant…
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The future replacement for Paul Scholes may be on the way. I’m hearing strong rumors from a number of sources that United are close to signing 23 year old Brazilian attacking midfielder Thiago Neves. I have seen a few games with him playing that role for Fluminense and I have to say he is really a great young player. He has a lethal left foot from long range and he is also very calm and composed when he attacks the box. A lot of vision and finesse. I’m sure if we get him there will be a learning curve and an adaption period before he really shows his stuff but he may be just what we need in the middle. He scored 12 goals in around 30 games last season and had numerous assists. With Anderson and the twins already in place, it’s clear that Fergie wants a Brazil/Portugal future national team hybrid playing at OT for the next ten seasons. It sure would solidify Portuguese speaking Queiroz’s hold on the Gaffer’s job once he retires, one would think.
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I know its contraversial. He will play…im sure of that. I just feel that unless he plays in a midfield 3 with hargreaves and anderson Chelseas midfield will just out muscle us. As good as he was last night scholes game has chaged. Hes not really an attacking force anymore.
If we play with carrick n scholes i fear for our chances. We need someone driving us forward from midfield. Will help create more spaces etc.
Dunno much bout this Neves fella…….all i know is that there is a boy Renato Aungusto over in Brazil who looks a real intresting prospect.
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grogs
how an unknown brazilian can be called scholes replacement? the guy has never played in any european league!
Also being Man Utd, we keep being linked with any and everybody! If a Scholesy replacement has to come I’d much prefer somebody already playing (and proven) in Europe (Diego, VDV, Modric (pity he has already joined Spurs) etc
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I wept, I confess. I wept when Scholes scored. It has been too long without those rockets. Nostalgic stuff…
And I will never forget that celebration. If I ever saw any face light up with pure joy, that was it.
Talk about childhood heroes…
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Bugger, had to root for Liverpool last night, so feeling a bit dirty – but they’re clearly a weaker team, so our chances would have been better. I fear Chelsea to be honest, they’re coming together at just the right time, and keep in mind they still do have the best first XI on Earth. I guess it’s kind of fitting that they would get the chance to win it all in the country where all of the millions were ‘earned’. Also props to Lampard, hate him as you will for his ineptitude in an England jersey, but that was a very, very big move last night. He deserves all the respect in the world for that.
We absolutely, no bones about it need to win, and win convincingly against West Ham on Saturday. If we get another 4-0 (earlier in the season was our favourite scoreline) it sends a message that we’re not going to slip up. Obviously if we do slip up, or just scrape by it gives Chavski hope, and they have LOADS of that at the moment. We’re nervous, they’re confident…all a bit worrying!
As for a Scholes replacement, in my mind we have one of the best in the world already, but he’s stuck playing centre forward until we get a real one. Watching Drogba and Torres last night, I definitely had some forward-envy
I think this seasons ‘interchangeable 4′ up top was just a reaction to the personnel available. The real answer is still to have a ‘forward’ and then have 3 players behind them interchanging. My money’s on Huntelaar. Any updates on Manucho?
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I have to say that the way Lampard celebrated last night moved me. I hate him as much as Gerrard, but yesterday nearly made me cry. He lost his mother, takes a penalty when he must be filled with confusing emotions, and then kisses him armband andnearly cries. I feel sorry for the lad. He is a good player, hate him though, and what Ive heard he is a good person and to lose a person that is so close to you must be really tough. I wont care anymore though, we have to beat them in the final. Its a must!
Other news, The Sun claims that Rooney is out for the season. Would be a major shock since Fergie said he would be fit for West Ham. He is an important player and means a lot to Uniteds play.
Ronaldo hates the weather in Manchester! What a shock. I thought he loved the sour rain and the real chilly wind. He also says he wants to stay in the club and win many trophies and become a better player.
Scholes will sign a new contract. Looks like the Ginger Prince will stay with us for a while. Great news
Thats all for now, lets watch United beat the Hammers on saturday and Chelsea drop points against the Geordies. Fact: Its 5 years since Chelsea won both of their last two league games of the season! Lets hope this continues. COME ON YOU REDS!
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I have a question. Why do United play all their CL home games with white socks? I mean, in the league we use black socks. And against Sporting away this season we used black socks, but in the home gamewe used white! Sporting used the exact same kit, but we still changed the socks. Its not so important, but does anybody know why this is?
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Yeah saw that thing in the Sun re: Rooney – what’s that about? Not ideal…
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LINK
Opinion please lads, Are these the best goals or what?
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Julio, I think you mean this:
. No idea about the socks issue. And yeah, the Sun talks bollocks. 
Are these the best goals or what?
Your link was just to RedRants again, click on it and you will see.
And RedDevil, I think it is a great song, the tune goes along well with it. Good lad
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Grognard; you forgot to mention that as he plays for Fluminese we can get him quite easily if we want him that bad, as we have first option on their players. Not sure I would call him Scholes’ successor though, he is a better dribbler and much faster so I think we would be tempted to play him out on the wing, even with his vision and passing ability. Anyway, there will never be another Scholes, never.
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[Conor]
Not Scholesy’s predecessor, successor.
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Haha yeah, that makes more sense
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First off, nobody is saying he will be better than Scholes. But we will need a replacement for him eventually and Anderson is not that player. Anderson will probably be our holding midfielder of the future. Neves can play on the wing but his finesse and fantastic shot is better served in the middle of the park. He’s not a great crosser but he is excellent at through balls.
Jos; Man that is really a close minded statement. How many great South American players do you want me to name that came over on the boat and became great players in Europe without Euro experience. I too would prefer a much more European proven name but they also cost an arm and a leg. They also may not fit in to the club’s long term plans which like I said before, seems to be creating a Brazilian/Portuguese hybrid with Fergie’s eventual successor probably being Queiroz for obvious reasons. Don’t discount the lad. He has a lot of talent and Conor is right, he will come much cheaper. The cost alone makes the gamble well worth it.
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[Grognard]
Point taken, but we already have another player in his mould: Rodrigo Possebon. Brazilian, plays in central midfield, maybe a little withdrawn but likes to set his own pace to the game.
Actually type Rodrigo Possebon in google, the second result is Red Rants.
The article we’d written on him is here.
And yes, lots of south americans have flourished in Europe. It’s England where they’ve found things a little tricky. It’s a steeper learning curve in the Isles with the weather, the physicality and all. Yet, in United with a core of Portuguese and Spanish speaking youngsters, a south American might find it easier now than in Kleberson/Veron’s time.
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RR; Yes it is a different time in the BPL than it was when Kleberson and Veron showed up. And lets face it, United’s ethnic player of choice right now speaks Portuguese. Fergie and Queiroz are cooking up a 10 year master plan that will turn United into a Brazilian style team that plays a Cattenacio Italian style but that attacks with lightning counters. 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 is the future and I see our midfield and wide players having that Latin American pace and flair for years to come. I still think we will maintain a little UK influence and a blend of players but Fergie wants his team to look like Inter or Milan in theme.
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I’d be interested to hear views on moving the final to Wembley. It would be greener, cheaper, warmer (?), no problems with visas etc.
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