TDurf11I'm new to this so sorry if this is already up somewhere or something but I just wanted to post this and see what people thought about what I would've done if I was Fergie.
Barca are almost impossible to play against, but if it were up to me I would've had 5 in the back with Rafael and Evra sticking to their wingers and passing them on inside to press as Iniesta and Xavi move forward. They would also be able to run up the wings though only one at a time would move forward. Fletcher, assuming healthy, would play neutral going back to defend Messi when needed but he and Carrick would prove the physical presence necessary to put off Xavi and Iniesta, hopefully. Up top Rooney checks to like usual with Nani and Valencia advancing, Carrick moves up into the attack and Fletcher is there for support. I feel like this formation would've offered United a much sturdier Defensive base, and with the outside back moving up the wings, plenty of attack as well. Valencia might be replaced with Giggs for the experience to be subbed in later and taking into account that Fletcher was recovering from injury at the time, Carrick would step into his more defensive role and have Park as the other midfielder.
Anyways, this is how I would've approached the Final and I'd like to hear what all of y'all think about my proposed strategy, strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly if you think it might've changed the results.
13.06.2011
Jaap StamBefore everything else, starting with a full attack was a gamble and it didn't pay off. We couldn't get the score advantage and paid the price later on. But, hey, hindsight is always 20/20, I can't blame SAF for what he did. If we had an early goal, maybe we would have been talking about what a genius he is.
13.06.2011
gazlfcforeverThe problem with that formation is that you have 3 centre backs doing nothing since Barca play messi in a false 9. 3 at the back is the way to go but you'd need a sweeper and extra defensive mid.
That way you can have Villa and Pedro picked up by the centreback/fullback players with a spare man to watch runs in behind. The defensive mid/centre back picks up messi.
Then you have one up front with the rest of the midfielders taking Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets
13.06.2011
ars4nalThe problem wasn't with the defence; Ferdinand and Vidic actually played very well. The problem United found was getting caught between midfield and defence, the sort of area Messi drops to and players like Iniesta and Xavi move into.
It's almost impossible to say how to beat Barca, but instead of an extra centre back, an anchorman would have probably made more difference for United.
14.06.2011
