FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.05.2009 14:25

United strikeforce

Edgar Fornós

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are the two main figures in Manchester United’s attack. Marking them is going to be one of the key missions if Barça want to win their third European Cup.

One thing Manchester United know how to do is score goals, and lots of them. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side tops the Premier League in the goals for column with 68. Cristiano Ronaldo has a personal tally of 18, with only Nicolas Anelka on 19 ahead of him in the League.

Speed in attack…

One of Manchester United’s great strengths in attack is speed. A good example of this was the third they got against Arsenal in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final, scored at the end of a very fast counterattack involving Park, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Between them Ronaldo and Rooney have racked up 38 strikes in the League and Champions League.

…and mobility

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to play in the same position as he did against Arsenal and Barça will have to look out for attacks down the wings as United are specialists in this area.

Missing players

One of Europe’s best attacks will be taking on one of its best defences in Rome, but Barça are missing key players as Márquez, Abidal, Alves and Milito are all out due to injury or suspension. Touré and Piqué will probably be playing in the centre of the defence, but there is more uncertainty at full-back where Puyol, Sylvinho, Cáceres and even Keita are vying for position.