Messi wary of United strikers

Barca study Red Devils footage
Lionel Messi expects a more threatening Manchester United side to the one Barcelona beat in the Champions League final in 2009 as the two teams prepare to meet in the European showpiece at Wembley on Saturday night.

Messi scored the second goal in Rome as Barca beat United 2–0 to seal a treble of Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles in coach Pep Guardiola's first season in charge.

"I have good memories of the final in Rome, but that's in the past," said Messi.

He rejected claims the Red Devils are weaker than two years ago.

"They have their league and they are in the Champions League final," he said.

"They are not weak; they have very good players and a lot of quality up front — and they are used to winning."

In order to exploit the Red Devils’ potential weaknesses, coach Guardiola has been studying videos of United — including the match in Rome in 2009.

"They were better than us in the first half, even though Samuel (Eto'o) scored, they dominated and it was only in the second half that we were able to have some more chances,” said the Spaniard.

Guardiola admits he is envious at the strength in depth available to Ferguson.




Sir Alex has been named Manager of the Year by his fellow league managers and used the occasion to offer his support to sacked Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.



Ferguson was also named the Barclays Premier League manager of the year following Manchester United's title triumph, and picked up a special merit award for having passed 2,000 matches as manager.

Ferguson said: "It's a wonderful honour – it has been a fantastic season for us in the most difficult league in the world."

Ancelotti, sacked by Chelsea in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat at Everton, attended the dinner and Ferguson said to him: "Carlo you are a fantastic man and you have showed great courage in coming to the dinner tonight, well done."




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