Fergie has promised football’s public that Manchester United will go all out to attack against Barcelona. Is the Red Devils plans good news or bad news for Barcelona?
When you opt to play a defensive game against Barcelona, expect a flood of criticism to pour down on you. Football fans are very demanding and negative tactics—also known as “anti-football”—are branded by many as an act of cowardice. For a multitude of supporters, it apparently seems more unjust to claim victory through “anti-football” than through “luck” from highly controversial officiating.
Are Manchester United prepared to change their identity (like attacking side Arsenal did at the Camp Nou) in attempt to defeat Barcelona on the score board? Apparently, the answer to this question is “no” according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Two years ago in Rome, the Old Scot instructed Manchester United to pounce on Barcelona by attacking. During the 10 minutes of the game or so, Fergie’s plans seemed to be working until the Catalans found a first-half goal out of almost nowhere. From there, Barcelona took control of the game with their usual possessive game to steal the 2009 UEFA Champions League trophy.
Is it possible to go all out on the offensive against Barcelona without ending up with a good beating similar to Real Madrid’s 6-2 or 5-0 defeats to the Blaugrana? Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United will be at Wembley to prove to the public that Barca can indeed be on the losing end of an entertainment attacking football match.
Pep Guardiola, however, isn’t taking anything for granted. The Barcelona coach fears Manchester United will multiply their chances on the counter attack whereas Fergie is plotting to dominate the midfield as he revealed to The Sun, earlier in May, that the Red Devils have to “find a solution to the Xavi-Messi-Iniesta problem.”
Are Manchester United prepared to change their identity (like attacking side Arsenal did at the Camp Nou) in attempt to defeat Barcelona on the score board? Apparently, the answer to this question is “no” according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Two years ago in Rome, the Old Scot instructed Manchester United to pounce on Barcelona by attacking. During the 10 minutes of the game or so, Fergie’s plans seemed to be working until the Catalans found a first-half goal out of almost nowhere. From there, Barcelona took control of the game with their usual possessive game to steal the 2009 UEFA Champions League trophy.
Is it possible to go all out on the offensive against Barcelona without ending up with a good beating similar to Real Madrid’s 6-2 or 5-0 defeats to the Blaugrana? Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United will be at Wembley to prove to the public that Barca can indeed be on the losing end of an entertainment attacking football match.
Pep Guardiola, however, isn’t taking anything for granted. The Barcelona coach fears Manchester United will multiply their chances on the counter attack whereas Fergie is plotting to dominate the midfield as he revealed to The Sun, earlier in May, that the Red Devils have to “find a solution to the Xavi-Messi-Iniesta problem.”
