Reds deposed as Kings of Europe
English Premier League News : Reds deposed as Kings of Europe, Report by Jon Crampin
United’s dreams of becoming the first team to retain the Champions League ended in heartbreak in Rome, as goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi gave an impressive Barcelona a deserved victory in the Stadio Olimpico.
It meant that the Reds tasted defeat in a European Cup final for the first time – having won the previous three final appearances of 1968, 1999 and 2008 – but on the night there could be few arguments with the outcome.
Barcelona were simply the better side over all bar the first 10 minutes and in deposing the reigning champions, Pepe Guardiola’s side – Spain’s first Treble-winners – proved themselves worthy new holders of the crown.
United began the stronger side and came close to opening the scoring, but after Eto’o had fired the Spaniards into an undeserved early lead, Barcelona dominated, with Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta repeatedly probing the Reds’ defence.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought on Carlos Tevez for Anderson at half-time and later replaced Ji-sung Park with Dimitar Berbatov as United went in search of an equaliser. But just as the Reds were sensing a way back into the game, Barcelona delivered the crushing blow. A spell of pressure ended with Xavi sending in a teasing cross which found the unmarked Messi, who headed home past the stranded van der Sar.
Not even the introduction of Paul Scholes – match-winner against Barcelona in last season’s semi-final at Old Trafford – could turn the tide of possession in United’s favour. Despite the efforts of all fourteen players deployed at the end of an epic season, the Reds were, for once, second best on the biggest stage.
Source: English Premier League Football News, Manchester United Football Club News at manutd.com
Barcelona 2 Man United 0
English Premier League News : Barcelona 2 United 0
We were told this Champions League final would be a game displaying the beauty of the counter-attack; no two teams in Europe more adept at carrying it out. But United would certainly have hoped not to be so heartbreakingly on the end of its devastation.
Twice United looked to be in control of proceedings here in Rome, and both times Barcelona hit the Reds on the break as goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi secured a 2-0 win for the Spanish champions. Make no mistake, the intricate passing football of Pepe Guardiola’s side was brilliant at times, and there is no real injustice in the result.
That said, United could have been two or three goals up inside the first seven or eight minutes but, sad to say, this was to be Barcelona’s night.
Sir Alex went with the team many predicted, full of pace and set up to counter. There were no real surprises in the Barcelona outfit either, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry recovering from recent injuries to take their place in the starting line-up.
Gary Neville was the noticeable absentee from United’s 18-man squad. The Reds skipper lost out to Rafael on the bench. And even in choosing the young Brazilian’s speed over Neville’s experience, it said everything about the type of game Sir Alex sought to play.
As kick-off approached, the teams tantalisingly walked past the trophy both clubs so keenly covet. Sir Alex passionately feels that his side have not triumphed in Europe enough but Barcelona, going for their third European title, would say the same. And so the stage was set for one of the most eagerly-anticipated finals in years.
Source: English Premier League Football News at manutd.com
O’Neill talks up Old Firm switch
English Premier League News : O’Neill talks up Old Firm switch
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill says the English Premier League would benefit from the inclusion of his former club Celtic and rivals Rangers.
The proposal to create a two-tier Premier League could be discussed at the league’s AGM in June.
And O’Neill, who left Celtic in 2005 after five years in charge, said the Old Firm would be a hit in England.
“My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Premier League,” he told Villa’s website.
Last week BBC Scotland learned Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has proposed allowing the Old Firm clubs to move to England as part of a two-tier Premier League of 18 teams each.
The idea would have to overcome a number of obstacles if it was to come to fruition, and Uefa’s director of communications William Gaillard told BBC Scotland the matter would be something to be decided between the leagues and associations involved.
O’Neill believes the Glasgow clubs would grow if they were given the green light to play in England.
I’m not sure about Rangers but I know Celtic’s capacity could go from 60,000 to 80,000 overnight – without a doubt
“Glasgow is a phenomenal football city – Celtic house 60,000 and Rangers house 50,000,” he told Villa’s website.
“I’m not sure about Rangers but I know Celtic’s capacity could go from 60,000 to 80,000 overnight – without a doubt.
“When I was manager of Celtic a number of years ago, there was some talk of both teams joining the Premier League in some capacity.
“There was mention of them being put in the Championship too, or maybe even lower down than that, and then making them work their way up through promotion.”
He added: “If forced to do that, they would eventually get to the top and end up as monumental players in the Premier League.”
O’Neill said he was aware sceptics would be against the move, but he believed the clubs would enhance the competition in England.
“I suppose Belgian teams could then ask to join the Dutch league and Dutch teams could then request to join the Bundesliga,” he went on.
“All of those points would have to be considered. But if you’re asking for a personal opinion, I think Celtic and Rangers joining would enhance the Barclays Premier League and make us all strive to get better.
“I certainly support the idea. But, then again, I could be a voice in the wilderness.”
Source: English Premier League News, Aston Villa Football Club News at BBC Sport