Sir Alex Ferguson was flanked by his two central defenders in his pre-match press conference. With Rio Ferdinand measuring 195 centimetres and Nemaja Vidic 189 it was certainly an imposing image, and symbolically represented the team’s security in defence. Having only leaked four goals in the whole competition, less than anybody, Ferdinand and Vidic are a guarantee at the back.

Different forwards, same style

The Barça attack of 2011 is different to 2009, now Eto’o and Henry have gone. But the English defender doesn’t sense that much has changed: “They are different players to 2009 but the way they play is the same. Pedro and Villa score a lot of goals, run down the middle and keep the defence in place.” But Ferdinand feels teamwork is what will make all the difference tomorrow. “It is important for us to play as a team, more than individuals. We don’t depend on any one player. It is all of us that have to do what the coach tells us to do. We have a very good chance.”

Vidic demanding

Vidic also feels United need to seize their chance. Says the Serbian, “if we end the season without this trophy, we won’t feel satisfied.” And he reckons it’s mental readiness that counts. “Psychological things can be decisive … and we have a lot of mature players with great experience. We are ready, I think.”

Play in the air

Manchester United are travelling to London with a more solid and rounded team than 2009, when Cristiano Ronaldo was the focus of almost all the attention. And they certainly do have an experienced squad, especially considering such veterans as Van der Sar (40), Giggs (39) and Scholes (36). But less dominant is United’s ability in the air, as Ferguson has said himself. “They have Busquets, Piqué, Abidal, Puyol… They all good in the air”, he said. He forgot to mention Messi. Vidic and Ferdinand surely remember the Argentinian’s header in Rome.