UEFA Champions League: Can Manchester United Pull Off Upset Against Barcelona?

This UEFA Champions League was exhilarating with plenty of exciting matches, like the 4-0 thumping against Tottenham by Real Madrid or Marseille’s rampaging 7-0 against MSK Ziilna in Slovakia.

But only two teams remain as we approach the final: the champions of England, Manchester United and the champions of Spain, Barcelona. This Champions League final in my opinion will not be a high-scoring game, but it will be one of most exciting and beautiful games you will ever see and here is why.

Even though many critics claim that Manchester United’s team isn’t one of its greatest, I believe Sir Alex Ferguson revolutionized Manchester United’s playing style this year, making it one of their best.

I remember watching Manchester play a few years back and their style and pace were slow and boring! Most of their goals would be from crosses, corner kicks, individual plays (Cristiano Ronaldo doing his thing) and crappy tap-ins.

But looking at their most recent games, Manchester play a similar style to Barcelona. They play a 4-4-2 with a center defensive and offensive midfield. Their formations may be different, but Manchester United have learned the key to winning games and playing beautiful soccer: short passes, possession and playing it simple. That is why they have been so successful this year and why this game is going to be an amazing showdown between the two best teams.

This game will not only be a battle between teams, but a clash between players as well.

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra vs. Lionel Messi

Vidic has just won recently the PFA Player of the Year and is probably having the best season of his life. Also, he has the strange ability of always getting the referee’s call his way so this is going to be a challenge for Messi.

And yes, I know you cannot spell Messiah without Messi, but Vidic will get back up from his trustworthy left back and French tank Evra. In my opinion, Evra is the best left back in the world, and not for his attacking abilities—because they aren’t that great—but for his sheer determination, quick-thinking and solid defending.

Messi will have a tough challenge ahead of him and I believe he will be tightly marked by Evra.

Verdict: Manchester United

Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez vs. Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol

The Barcelona defenders are going to have a tough time trying to cope with the fastest player in the World Cup, Javier Hernandez and Manchester’s Messi, Rooney.

Gerard Pique has played with Manchester before so he might know what to expect against Rooney and Puyol has played against him several times. The key for Manchester is Hernandez, as he is a new player for them and someone who always causes problems for the defense with his smart runs.

But Pique and Puyol are two world-class defenders so Manchester cannot rely on Hernandez too much. I think Pep Guardiola has picked up on Hernandez being a threat in addition to Rooney being the main threat, so I believe he will have either center back stay close to Hernandez—probably Puyol—and have Sergio Busquets keep an eye on Rooney.

I see it hard for Manchester to play long balls and win the game through their partnership up front.

Verdict: Barcelona

Barcelona’s Midfield vs. Manchester’s Midfield

As all great games are won, this game will be won in the midfield. Barcelona has an advantage because they have three center midfielders while Manchester will play with only two.

But don’t forget that Manchester have a left and a right midfielder, one of them being Nani—an exceptional player who is at a career high and who deserved at least a PFA Best Player nomination or the trophy itself. Nani will be vital for Manchester’s win as he has the most assists in the Barclays Premier League at 18.

Barcelona shouldn't worry too much on him, though, because he is the only one who is a creative midfielder going forward for Manchester while Barcelona have Xavier Hernandez and Andres Iniesta who were named second and third-best players in the world, technically making them the best midfield combo.

Verdict: Barcelona

Despite the hype Manchester have received, their UEFA Champions League campaign will sadly come to an end. Barcelona are not better individually, but as a team, they are superior.

Barcelona have a strange and amazing ability to attack and defend as a team. They are able to do this and still not get counter-attacked. They are able to push with at least six to seven people at a time and force the opposition to defend deep, leaving only one or two to counterattack.

That is why Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the semifinals and that is why they are touted as one of the best teams of all time.

My score is 3-1 (Villa twice and Messi for Barcelona; Hernandez for Manchester). Leave a comment below telling me what you think the score will be and why.

Chances of Barcelona Winning: 3 to 1