Thierry
New member
United had some perfect shape going into this European Final, and almost want to say that their 2009 campaign was better than recent.
I properly place blame on their team captain looking at first 10 minutes and 80 minutes of the match. It could have been a water tight match which (in my opinion) would have gone down in history as a classic. I was amazed at Valencia's static posture not getting those speedy legs up the flank and supply into the box, again United midfield was obvious. Nani could have come on earlier to get balls moving along the other flank, Hernandez could not find adequate support when he needed it, chances were being half-halted by a defence line that included a half-patient (Eric) and a pensive looking Mascherano without a compass. It was havoc dis-organisation in United camp imo. Yes, holding vs FCB is a full time job and so it had to be on this once-off match. ( you run till you sweat blood) and Rubin Kazan are a humble example that Sir Alex had to impress on the squad.
Sir Alex was perplexed not so much about FCB's performance (as many, including him already are aware of this) but the fact they failed to keep a tight game plan as they had rehearsed. Paisley's record will stand at this time and as great a manager as he is Sir Alex, I have never seen him so low they way he was after the 90 minute spell.
Congratulations to both sides for reaching the final and Well done to us.
I properly place blame on their team captain looking at first 10 minutes and 80 minutes of the match. It could have been a water tight match which (in my opinion) would have gone down in history as a classic. I was amazed at Valencia's static posture not getting those speedy legs up the flank and supply into the box, again United midfield was obvious. Nani could have come on earlier to get balls moving along the other flank, Hernandez could not find adequate support when he needed it, chances were being half-halted by a defence line that included a half-patient (Eric) and a pensive looking Mascherano without a compass. It was havoc dis-organisation in United camp imo. Yes, holding vs FCB is a full time job and so it had to be on this once-off match. ( you run till you sweat blood) and Rubin Kazan are a humble example that Sir Alex had to impress on the squad.
Sir Alex was perplexed not so much about FCB's performance (as many, including him already are aware of this) but the fact they failed to keep a tight game plan as they had rehearsed. Paisley's record will stand at this time and as great a manager as he is Sir Alex, I have never seen him so low they way he was after the 90 minute spell.
Congratulations to both sides for reaching the final and Well done to us.
