Champions League: United make a Mess of it

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-2 BARCELONA

Manchester United’s quest for a fourth major trophy this season was ended in Rome as a poor display from the Red Devils was pounced upon by a brilliant Barcelona side, who seal their very own treble.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s hopes of repeating last year’s triumph against Chelsea barely got off the ground as they ended well beaten by a Barcelona side inspired by the genius of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

United started the final, played in stifling heat, as if retaining their crown would be little more than a formality, creating a host of early chances against the nervous-looking Catalans, with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat.

But once Samuel Eto’o scored at Edwin van der Sar’s near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.

A header from Lionel Messi, one of the smallest players on the pitch, made it two to the Catalans in the second half, but United never looked so much as like threatening to score, despite having all of their ‘Fantastic Four’ on the pitch at once.

After the game it was left to Carlos Puyol to collect the famous trophy, and with it the chance to participate for two extra trophies; the UEFA Super Cup against Shakhtar Donetsk, and the Club World Cup in the UAE in December. Both competitions had United involved this season, and Barca will have the chance to displace United as World Club Champions, to sit alongside their new European crown.