Second Best in Europe…By quite a distance

        They lined up for their third final in four years. They didn’t have the best of domestic campaigns, but they did enough to ‘knock Liverpool off their perch’ and seal their position as the most decorated side in England. Confident in their ability, they sought revenge against a side touted by many as the best ever. By the end of it all, they cut a forlorn figure, as their hopes of a fourth European Title were dashed cruelly and yet so beautifully. "Nobody's given us a hiding like that but they deserve it," admitted Sir Alex, choosing to call a spade a spade as the English Champions were outthought, outplayed, outpassed and outclassed by the “best team he has ever faced’”. The famed Barca midfield quartet were at their irresistible best creating chance after chance and cementing their spot as the best team in all of Europe.

        Despite all the unfair criticism, the current crop of players is as good as any other Manchester United side over the years. Despite not having the financial muscle of Chelsea or Manchester City, they wrapped up their 19th League Title with a game to spare. However, the Barcelona juggernaut, they ran into , exposed their frailties like none other. Evra could not cut off the angles feeding the wings and was found wanting. Valencia was expected to run circles around Abidal, but he did little more than turn up. Chicharito was offside most of the game and Giggs and Carrick were outnumbered and outclassed. Vidic and Van Der Sar were monsters in defence, but their resistance finally broke down against the relentless onslaught.

        Domestic League glory, a semi-final appearance in the domestic cup and a Final appearance Europe would count as another successful campaign for any club. They are definitely the second best side in all of Europe but they are miles behind the class of Barca. While the result of last night’s game was decided over 90 minutes, the foundation was laid a year ago when the transfer window slammed shut with United failing to make any notable additions to their midfield. If this game were to be played 10 more times, the result would have been the same on all occasions due to the absence of a solid ball winning midfielder in United’s ranks.

        While SAF’s eye for a bargain was evident yet again during the transfer of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, the deals he missed cost them dearly during the final. Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Rafael Van Der Vaart all changed clubs at dirt cheap rates, with none of them ending up at Old Trafford. The gaping hole left in midfield since the exit of Roy Keane is yet to be filled. With the imminent departure of Scholes and Giggs looming large, Sir Alex has the unenviable task of rebuilding the team at a time when the Catalans are at their peak. It’s a period of transition for the club and the season-ending defeat should serve as a wake-up call.

        David De Gea should prove to be an ideal replacement for the retiring Van Der Sar. Ashley Young, should he make the move to Manchester, will benefit hugely under the tutelage of Giggs. The return of Danny Wellback, Federico Macheda and Tom Cleverley should add teeth to the attack. Fabio and Rafael continue to show promise and will occupy the full back positions for years to come. Anderson has shown promise this season, and with enough games he will ably fill the big boots of Paul Scholes. However, it’s the area in the centre of the park which requires urgent attention. With Owen Hargreaves finally being shown the exit door after spending more time troubling the medics than opposition playmakers, the defensive midfielder position is up for grabs. Everton’s Jack Rodwell has been linked with a move to Manchester all through the season, but Sir Alex would know he needs a seasoned player who can boss the midfield even in the presence of Messi and Iniesta.

        Sir Alex and Manchester United have probably been written off a number of times in the last couple of decades and every time they have silenced their critics. The exits of Cantona, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy, Keane, Tevez and Ronaldo were all supposed to end their era of dominance, but each time they have managed to prove their supremacy. However, the challenge they face today is tougher than any they have faced. After winning the 19th league title, people wondered what could motivate Sir Alex to continue his association with the Club. Last night’s result provided that answer. The Red Devils are not used to chasing shadows, and Sir Alex would be smarting from the humiliation from the humiliation suffered at Wembley. Barcelona ‘s ‘Invincible’ midfield have made the team to beat, much like the Australian Cricket Team of the 2000’s. They will continue to dominate teams and win multiple trophies. What remains to be seen is whether Manchester United can challenge them at the high table of European Football or whether they will be content in being the best of the rest. The Mauling of Manchester has set the stage for an intriguing few seasons which will see many a memorable battle like the one witnessed at Wembley. SAF would like to end this battle, like all others he has fought, on a winning note before leaving the ‘Special One’ to further his agenda with the Catalans.