Dietmar Hamann believes that Man United have a better chance of beating Barcelona simply because they do not have Cristiano Ronaldo on their team.
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann is backing Manchester United to spring a surprise against Barcelona tonight just because Cristiano Ronaldo is no more a Red Devil.
The Portuguese talisman was rather a shadow of himself during the final at Rome two years ago and Hamann believes that the compatibility of United as a team this season can indeed see them through tonight.
"I don't think they were too far off two years ago I think the thing in their favour is there is no Ronaldo any more.
"I think they have a more settled team. Now, they have got a stronger unity as a team and Ronaldo didn't really contribute much in the final two years ago.
"Of course they can beat Barca - it's a game of 90 minutes - we've seen it before in cup games in a one-off game, lower league teams can beat top teams and obviously Manchester United are not that far behind Barcelona.
"I think they have got a very good chance of beating them, but if you go on the form book Barca are still more likely winner."
Hamann has had so many battles with United in the past and he certainly believes that Ryan Giggs will be the key element of tonight's proceedings.
"His form has been outstanding and he's another key player. He's one of the 22 playing, any of the 22 can decide the game because that is the level of talent on show, but if he plays as he did in the last few months he'll have a big contribution.
"A lot of responsibility will be on the midfielders and the forwards to keep the ball for United.
"Obviously you have to contain Barcelona for as long as possible and it's not easy because they have match winners all over the pitch. I think if they keep the ball better than they did two years ago they have a chance."
The Portuguese talisman was rather a shadow of himself during the final at Rome two years ago and Hamann believes that the compatibility of United as a team this season can indeed see them through tonight.
"I don't think they were too far off two years ago I think the thing in their favour is there is no Ronaldo any more.
"I think they have a more settled team. Now, they have got a stronger unity as a team and Ronaldo didn't really contribute much in the final two years ago.
"Of course they can beat Barca - it's a game of 90 minutes - we've seen it before in cup games in a one-off game, lower league teams can beat top teams and obviously Manchester United are not that far behind Barcelona.
"I think they have got a very good chance of beating them, but if you go on the form book Barca are still more likely winner."
Hamann has had so many battles with United in the past and he certainly believes that Ryan Giggs will be the key element of tonight's proceedings.
"His form has been outstanding and he's another key player. He's one of the 22 playing, any of the 22 can decide the game because that is the level of talent on show, but if he plays as he did in the last few months he'll have a big contribution.
"A lot of responsibility will be on the midfielders and the forwards to keep the ball for United.
"Obviously you have to contain Barcelona for as long as possible and it's not easy because they have match winners all over the pitch. I think if they keep the ball better than they did two years ago they have a chance."
