Manchester United: Who Should the Red Devils Support in Champions League Final?

When Chelsea and Bayern Munich clash in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, football fans right around the world are going to be torn as to who they should support.

It's always the tough decision—who to cheer on and who to cheer against when your team isn't playing.

Manchester United fans will be no exception, with many torn between supporting Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Who should they follow then in the Champions League Final and why?

Sometimes it's an easy decision, like supporting anyone who plays against Liverpool. Other times, like this year's Champions League Final, it's not so easy for United fans to decide who to follow.

We must note that this is simply for the average United fan with no vested interest in the match. So if you're a German-born United fan, it's quite okay to cheer for the German side. Just as if your first name is Chelsea, then it's quite okay to support the Blues in the final.

But for the average, doesn't-really-matter fan, here's a complete breakdown for both sides that may help shed some insight as to who the Red Devils should be cheering on in the final.

Why United Fans Should Support Chelsea

First of all, there's the fact that Chelsea are an English club, just like United. A high proportion of Manchester United fans don't actually come from Manchester, or even England for that matter, so supporting the country that your team is from should be of a high priority.

Then there's the history that has taken place between United and Bayern Munich over the years—particularly in the UEFA Champions League. United's thrilling 2-1 victory over Bayern in the 1998-99 Champions League Final will go down as one of the greatest victories ever for the Red Devils and definitely their greatest over the German giants.

In the immediate context of this year's tournament, Chelsea's triumph over a highly favored Barcelona side was without doubt the upset of the year and a performance worthy of applause. Down to ten men, the Blues hung on at Camp Nou despite Barca having over 80 percent of the possession.

In that game, Chelsea received a red card and several yellow cards, meaning that they will have a host of players out due to suspension. Bayern will be without players also, but the loss of John Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic means that once again, Chelsea are the outsiders heading in to the final.

And everyone likes to cheer against the favorites.

Why United Fans Should Support Bayern Munich

Forget what they say about Bayern Munich being the favorites for this match; the reality is that for several months now, they have been the real outsider of the tournament. They've finished second in both the Bundesliga and German Cup this year and will have their final shot at a trophy in the Champions League final Saturday night.

Throw in to that mix the history that United have with Chelsea—especially in recent years as the Blues continue to establish themselves as one of the premiere clubs in English football. United's defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2006-07, as well as United's Champions League victory in penalty shootout over the Blues in 2007-08, are both recent examples of the intense rivalry that is beginning to develop.

Taking that angle a little further then, it's critical to support Bayern Munich as Chelsea have never won the Champions League before and another loss here would continue that streak.

This match could also have an impact on the Champions League next year with a Chelsea loss meaning that they would miss out on Europe's most prestigious tournament. A win, however, and they would qualify, meaning that for United fans not wanting Chelsea to be there next year, Bayern Munich must triumph over the Blues.

So, Who Should Manchester United Fans Support in Final?

After considering both sides of the argument then, who should Manchester United fans be supporting in the final? Which side should they be cheering on unashamedly, and which side should they avoid?

For me, the fact that a Chelsea loss would mean they won't play Champions League football next year is reason enough to stick with Bayern Munich. United's history with the German side is nowhere near as fierce a rivalry compared to what's growing between the Red Devils and Chelsea and regardless of what they say, Bayern have been the real outsiders all tournament.

So for me, I'm sticking with Bayern Munich in their home stadium to record a 1-0 victory and lift their fifth Champions League trophy.

Because the only thing greater than watching Chelsea lose another Champions League final this year is watching them unable to compete for it at all next year.

Follow Dan on Twitter: Follow @dantalintyre