United Competent But Not Confident
It was not a confident performance, but Paul Scholes’ 25 yard screamer made it a competent one as Manchester United beat Barcelona 1-0 to advance to the Champions’ League Final.
Barca held much of the possession, but made none of itmeaningful. Spectacular sprite Leo Messi outshined his best player rival Cristiano Ronaldo, but the rest of the team failed to feed off his energy–his through balls rolling harmlessly to the keeper.
Eric Abidal was completely outclassed. Yaya Toure looked like the opposite of his brother. Puyol and Milito lacked the composure that even a geriatric Thuram might have provided. Xavi, Deco, Iniesta and Eto’o were non-existent. Henry might as well have worn an Arsenal shirt, with the cohesion he displayed with his team.
United lacked the dynamism of a Rooney and the solidity of a Vidic, but they defended the center of the pitch ruthlessly and denied Barca a fatal equalizer. Their effort was gutsy, but hardly convincing. A physical squad with tactical coherence, like Chelsea or Liverpool, might have been more successful.
Man U may breathe a sigh of relief, but they will need to perform better if they are to complete their dual quest.
