Sir Alex Ferguson has spent the whole week answering questions on how to stop Lionel Messi.That is dangerous,because Pep Guardiola has been relaxing in his cushion,and isn't asked how to stop any Manchester United player.Not that he isn't bothered.
The manner Barcelona dismissed Manchester United in 2009,where the latter were considered favourites,should send shivers down the spines of United fans.But Ferguson loves challenges.
When his team lost that game,it was clearly forgotten that United beat Barcelona in a two-legged tie the previous season without conceding a goal.Well,that was Frank Rijkaard's team,with Ronaldinho,rather than Messi,the main man.
On Saturday,Man United would be more depleted than they were in 2009,after losing Carlos Tevez and Christiano Ronaldo,while Barcelona would be more complete than they were in 2009. However,counting off United would be more than disastrous.Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez 'Chicharito' pose a great threat,though United should be more concerned stopping Barcelona than attacking them.That makes it even better.Getting past Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand is so similar to pouring water on a rock.But then stopping David Villa and Lionel Messi is just as similar as stopping a moving horse.
In my opinion,beating Barcelona is easy.Stop Messi the way Real Madrid did in the Copa del Rey and you're done.Beating United is equally easy.Stop Rooney and there is trouble.But how possible would these be?Only Saturday would tell.Needless to say,anyone who performs better of the two,gives his team a huge chance.
I wouldn't want to predict the winner,but I think Barcelona would start as favourites,which may or may not count in their favour.
When,after Ferguson lost to Barcelona in 2009,he admitted,
"I can't understand how it all happened...I would want to meet them again,to right that wrong..."
Well Fergie,your wish has been granted.