Another year, a poor season by Manchester United's lofty standards, but another European final beckons. Is it safe to say that United has mastered the art of playing in Europe; with the Wembly Final been Manchester United's Third final in the last Four years and the club's fifth in their illustrious history.
Manchester United face Catalan Giants, Barcelona in the repeat of the 2009 final which was otherwise a one sided match for the greater part. Barcelona are currently ranked as the best team in the world and to some the best team ever of this generation; you may agree or not; it is subject to debate, but you cannot take it away from them; Barcelona play breath taking football, their tiki-taka style is good on the eye both offensively and defensively; Johan Cryuff; a former manager and player of the Catalans stated that Barcelona look solid defensively because they do not pass the ball beyond 10 meters; this allows them to close the opposition down easily; hence enhancing their defensive capabilities.
In a season where United have been relatively unimpressive and have just done enough to win games; the European campaign has been one of encouragement; with defensive solidity resulting to clean sheets in all its away games; a record at that. So if United has been unimpressive domestically and just a bit better in Europe; so what may have led to this surge to the Final of Europe's premier club competition and why do a lot of pundits believe the Red Devils are equipped to win a one off, one match game versus Barcelona.
In my opinion, for Manchester United to have any chance and i mean any chance because the likelihood is quite slim and United are quite equipped to win such a match; the following need to be done and addressed to the letter for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United to enjoy success on the European stage for the third and fourth time respectively.
The approach should be :
- Play a 4-3-3/4-5-1 Formation:
United look a lot more comfortable in Europe when they employ this formation; in the last 3 games Sir
Alex has favoured a 4-4-1-1 formation with Rooney playing like a Trequartista, but with specific
instructions to stay close to the holding midfielder of the opposing team in order to foil their attacking build
up play and also to add numbers in the middle when United are without the ball. This approached
worked pretty well because United controlled most of the play in these games; however, knowing that
Barca will control between 70 to 80 percent of possession, there is a need to ensure that United's
presence is felt in the midfield and that they are not overrun like it happened in 2009. United's 4-3-3/4-5-
1 needs to be extremely mobile, dogged and highly motivated; in most cases when without the ball United
has to press in threes; press and pressurize the back four as well as Barca's middle three. This may leave
some space in front of the defense for Barca to exploit; yes as this is likely; the work rate of the midfield
and consistent covering in numbers will aid this approach.
- Use the Ball well
By virtue of Barca's superior ball possession; United may only enjoy 20/30% of possession, these
period of possession may prove the difference between victory and defeat. They must possess the ball
well, utilize the small spaces that may exist; ensure that they are able to push the ball to the attacking
third as quickly and composed as possible using the full length of the Wembly pitch to good effect. This
way gaps that exist with Barca attacking can be used to United's advantage.
- Play at a High Tempo
A High Tempo is important to get the better of Barcelona; this was one of the things Mourinho did right
in the second leg at the Nou Camp and in the first leg of last season's semi final. Good use of the ball can
only be effective if United are able to play at a very high tempo; Barca will always be patient and
controlled on the ball; United most hit them hard with the use of the quick pace of its wingers and quick
high tempo passing. This can unsettle the Barcelona Midfield and Defense, if implemented to good
effect.
- Press Hard, Work Hard consistently
The amount of work Manchester United do on the ball is as important as what they do off it; this
constitutes the most important game plan of the day. The work rate has to be dogged, sharp, discipline,
of a water carrier type and astute; most would suggest that United should Man Mark the likes of Messi,
Xavi and Iniesta; unfortunately Sir Alex's teams do not play that way; hence the presence of a grafter,
spoiler, all energy player is very important to ensure all the holes are blocked, whilst ensuring that the
space Barca are used to enjoying is not readily available.
- Limit the Tackling, Concentrate on Intercepting
The antics of the Barcelona side are well documented, their tendency to go down at the slightest touch
seems to form part and parcel of their game plan to ensure that the opposing team is reduced in number
hence availing them an advantage in numbers. The approach is to reduce and limit the tackles United's
players lunge into; with great positioning and the effective use of the pressing game; United would be in
a better position to intercept and stop the intricate play of the Catalans. This will invariably ensure parity
of numbers on the pitch and will give United a better chance at winning; the influence of Carrick is
essential and he most bring his A game.
- Nullify the Build up from Behind
Barcelona always build from the back and it is from this point United need to nip their approach in the
bud. Barca's back four, play an integral part in their build up play along with their Goalie; this is the
point United needs to stop them between when the back four starts building the play and when the ball
gets to Busquets; Rooney must plug that hole and apply as much pressure as possible on that defense.
- Utilize the Wings
The strength of United's approach in this game will rest on its high tempo passing and how it can utilize
the gaps left by the likes Dani Alves and Abidal in the full back positions. If Barca make the mistake of
playing Puyol at Left Back, Valencia will have a field day on the right side of the United midfield to
create as many chances as possible. United's wing play and support by the full backs will form an
integral part of United's attacking play when with ball.
- Take your Chances
The first 10 minutes of the 2009 final was very crucial; United had the game, stopped Barca from
playing, created 3 good chances which they did not take. This proved to be pivotal in the loss to Barca,
as the Catalans shook off the early nerves and produced a display that till today remains engraved in
many hearts; the performance was so good it cost Micheal Carrick two years of lost form. Manchester
United will always create chances, no matter how badly they play, it is key that in a game of this
magnitude they take these chances to gain some level of advantage in a game that would be very
difficult.
It is my firm belief that if all these is done to the letter; Manchester United have a glorious opportunity to
avenge its defeat in the 2009 Champions League Final in Rome. Composure on the ball, good
movement, proper utilization of little or no space, with good lethal finishing can win United its fourth Old
Big Ears; the entire team has to have an absolutely superb game.
Glory!!!!! Glory!!!!!! Man. United
Suggested Line Up
Van Der Sar
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Carrick Fletcher Giggs
Valencia Park
Rooney
