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The semi-finals of the Champions League has produced the mouth watering
prospect of two of Europe's most exciting teams facing each other. But, while
Barcelona are a fading force, United have almost completed their evolution into
the best team on the planet - here are five reasons why we think Moscow
beckons...
1. Not the team they used to be
Barcelona may still be the only other team yet to be beaten in this season's
Champions League but their form has been erratic compared to the team that
claimed the trophy two years ago. They struggled to beat Schalke and are also
trailing in the Spanish league while United are setting the pace in the Premier
League.
2. A galaxy missing stars
Barcelona will be without several influential players when they meet us in the
semi finals not least their suspended captain, Carlos Puyol, and possibly one of
the world's greatest young talents, Lionel Messi. By contrast, United have almost
a full squad of players to choose from with our only injury doubt, Nemanja Vidic,
expected to return in time.
3. Trouble in the ranks
The Spanish club are still beset by uncertainty and in fighting with coach, Frank
Rijkaard, expected to leave at the end of the season even if they do reach the
final. And there are several unhappy stars including Thierry Henry and
Ronaldinho - by comparison United is a model of stability.
4. Ronaldo vs Ronaldinho
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the best player in the world while the former holder
of the title isn't even guaranteed a place in the team and has apparently held
talks about a possible move to Manchester Citeh - enough said.
5. Home advantage
We'll be playing Barcelona at the Nou Camp (home of our greatest triumph) first
and anything but a win for the home side would see the white handkerchiefs
come out - while we have the advantage of playing the second leg at home
where we haven't lost for 11 matches
Courtesy of manutdpies.com ...
prospect of two of Europe's most exciting teams facing each other. But, while
Barcelona are a fading force, United have almost completed their evolution into
the best team on the planet - here are five reasons why we think Moscow
beckons...
1. Not the team they used to be
Barcelona may still be the only other team yet to be beaten in this season's
Champions League but their form has been erratic compared to the team that
claimed the trophy two years ago. They struggled to beat Schalke and are also
trailing in the Spanish league while United are setting the pace in the Premier
League.
2. A galaxy missing stars
Barcelona will be without several influential players when they meet us in the
semi finals not least their suspended captain, Carlos Puyol, and possibly one of
the world's greatest young talents, Lionel Messi. By contrast, United have almost
a full squad of players to choose from with our only injury doubt, Nemanja Vidic,
expected to return in time.
3. Trouble in the ranks
The Spanish club are still beset by uncertainty and in fighting with coach, Frank
Rijkaard, expected to leave at the end of the season even if they do reach the
final. And there are several unhappy stars including Thierry Henry and
Ronaldinho - by comparison United is a model of stability.
4. Ronaldo vs Ronaldinho
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the best player in the world while the former holder
of the title isn't even guaranteed a place in the team and has apparently held
talks about a possible move to Manchester Citeh - enough said.
5. Home advantage
We'll be playing Barcelona at the Nou Camp (home of our greatest triumph) first
and anything but a win for the home side would see the white handkerchiefs
come out - while we have the advantage of playing the second leg at home
where we haven't lost for 11 matches
Courtesy of manutdpies.com ...
