Barça v United

[red g]

The early goal for Barca was really against the run of play, Utd started really quick and strong, playing their 'normal' attacking football, i think had they played the negative football (like Chelsea) they would have had a better chance.

For me what Fergie (tactical genius my arse) got wrong was he didn't try and nullify the threat of Xavi and Iniesta, as soon as Anderson went off (even though he was having a poor game) you just knew it was game over as the change would lead to even more Barca possession.

manchester united's midfield is an embarrasment, nothing fromt he bench either. 100million of talent up front and they couldnt get the ball to them

[Guest]

I think negative containment is spot on. It's what Chelsea did, with the plan to stop Barca playing, and catch them on the counter. It obviously requires full concentration and defensive discipline, but it's the most effective way of beating Barca, if you get it right. Especially if you've got quality strikers, who can make the most of the few chances you get.

As for us doing it in europe - we've done it plenty of times. Where's the problem? I've not said it's a bad thing, or criticised anyone for doing it.

Oh yes, the 'negative' qualification in your comments we'rent there to criticize Man. Utd. How about just 'containment' or 'counter attack' ?

You know full well that Manure aren't a defensive team, but their defensive record this year has been key for them, as they haven't been at their fluent best.

I think the best way to cope with Barca is to play as well if not better! That's what we did when we played United at OT, we played them at their game and passed the ball, which hurt them. If you defend against Barca, then you're relinquishing possession, meaning you'll be on the back foot all game, and against a team of such talent it would always be hard.

Ronaldo was right, Ferguson's tactics were poor last night.

[wiw]

By the way, anyone has got a link to a saved copy of this match? Mr.M?

I will later when I get home

[Guest]

The early goal for Barca was really against the run of play, Utd started really quick and strong, playing their 'normal' attacking football, i think had they played the negative football (like Chelsea) they would have had a better chance.

For me what Fergie (tactical genius my arse) got wrong was he didn't try and nullify the threat of Xavi and Iniesta, as soon as Anderson went off (even though he was having a poor game) you just knew it was game over as the change would lead to even more Barca possession.

United don't have the midfield to take the game to Barca IMO, maybe if they had Fletcher on the field, that would have meant Carrick would have got more time on the ball. Even then, Carrick is just not on a par with Xavi or Iniesta.

Still, as you said, it seems by the reports I've read today, they were all over Barca for the first 10 minutes. Hardly a strategy of a team settling to stifle Barca.

It's more simple than that though, Barca are a better team. I think we were the better team in the league this season and would have fared better against this Barca side.

[Guest]

I will later when I get home

Can't you just say that you're suddenly ill and need to go home? I'm itching to watch this match.

[Reece]

Still laughing

[Imy]

United don't have the midfield to take the game to Barca IMO, maybe if they had Fletcher on the field, that would have meant Carrick would have got more time on the ball. Even then, Carrick is just not on a par with Xavi or Iniesta.

Still, as you said, it seems by the reports I've read today, they were all over Barca for the first 10 minutes. Hardly a strategy of a team settling to stifle Barca.

It's more simple than that though, Barca are a better team. I think we were the better team in the league this season and would have fared better against this Barca side.

Maybe i'm looking at this through my rose tinted glasses but i truly believe had we got past Chelsea in the quarters we would have beaten Barca in the semis.

[Reece]

Maybe i'm looking at this through my rose tinted glasses but i truly believe had we got past Chelsea in the quarters we would have beaten Barca in the semis.

Chelsea fan at work just said the same thing to me actually.

[Tee]

I am still pissing myself after the pre-match Scum wankfest on Sky. They all came out of that looking like knobs, every single one of them, Souey, Gullit, Redknapp, Apeman and fathead Gray.

[The Glove]

Its the first time Ive wanted to watch all the post match United interviews.

[Craig_H]

Oh yes, the 'negative' qualification in your comments we'rent there to criticize Man. Utd. How about just 'containment' or 'counter attack' ?

You know full well that Manure aren't a defensive team, but their defensive record this year has been key for them, as they haven't been at their fluent best.

I think the best way to cope with Barca is to play as well if not better! That's what we did when we played United at OT, we played them at their game and passed the ball, which hurt them. If you defend against Barca, then you're relinquishing possession, meaning you'll be on the back foot all game, and against a team of such talent it would always be hard.

Ronaldo was right, Ferguson's tactics were poor last night.

It's negative in an attacking sense, not negative as in 'bad'. Come on fredo, get with the programme!

United, in europe, over the past few years, have learnt to be a defensive team and to be fair, it's served them well. But they HAVE turned in plenty of dull, defensive performances.

[BFG]

Do you guys think Rafa should openly offer his commiserations to Ferguson? Seems like the 'classy' thing to do.

[Joe King]

Its the first time Ive wanted to watch all the post match United interviews.

Does anyone else think that the Messi goal was the perfect ending to this years campaign? What a header from the small man.

[Reece]

Do you guys think Rafa should openly offer his commiserations to Ferguson? Seems like the 'classy' thing to do.

That would be genius, no?

[Joe King]

Is it safe to say that the Bitters were disappointed with the result yesterday?