While early goals at the Emirates settled United’s Champions
League destiny, one very late goal at Stamford Bridge allowed
Barcelona to squeeze past Chelsea. Both games had controversy, both
had great strikes and ultimately, both favourites will be in Rome.
I, for one, can’t wait to see it.
We outmuscled and outplayed Arsene Wenger’s side creating enough
chances to win several matches, while Barcelona had one shot on
target all night and scored.
Andreas Iniesta has had a stunning season at the Nou Camp and
his winning goal wasn’t bad was it? Former United defender Gerard
Pique also had a hand in knocking out the Blues, quite literally,
seeming to palm away Nicolas Anelka’s through ball. That was just
one of the decisions to send Messers Ballack, Drogba and Terry over
the edge.
It’s no surprise that in today’s media coverage, the word
‘respect’ has been rearing its innocent head after last night’s
heated scenes in London. Chelsea’s stars will no doubt end up in
hot water for their reactions at the final whistle, their reaction
contrasting heavily with the way Darren Fletcher dealt with his own
personal disappointment at missing out on the final.
Chelsea should have had a penalty or two, but in our game,
Arsenal shouldn’t have. Fletch, just like Drogba et al, had his
dream of playing in a final cruelly snatched away from him. But did
he rant, rave or chase the referee? No, he was graceful even in the
most unjust situation. The final between two of football’s
aristocratic teams will be played without one of the game’s true
gentlemen.
Before the heated exchanges got underway at Chelsea, United’s
Academy side ended their season on a high, prospering 3-2 over
Blackburn. The Under-18s side had a more U16s look to it with many
of next season’s new kids on the block getting a chance to impress
before the summer break. Nicky Ajose scored a blockbuster winner
after sumptuous approach play by Ravel Morrison.
As I cover the games for MUTV, I’d like to
say well done to the lads for an entertaining season and two more
trophies in the cabinet (The Milk Cup and the prestigious but
awkwardly-titled Torneo Calcio Memorial Claudio Sassi-Sassuolo).
The young Reds go to Switzerland in a fortnight for the youth team
equivalent of the Champions League – The Blue Stars Tournament –
and look out for our coverage of all the best bits of their games
there.
The long term future looks very good for United with
fresh-faced, skilful youngsters aplenty, but the short-term is
dominated by thoughts of a third Premier League title on the bounce
and a trip to Rome. Sadly, our Scottish terrier Fletch won’t be in
the United team at the Stadio Olimpico, but the rest of the cast is
frighteningly good: Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, Eto’o, Berbatov, Henry,
Iniesta, Giggs and those are just a few of the attackers in the
mix.
Passports at the ready, it’s the Hollywood final the fans wanted
– and no doubt the one the sponsors wanted. Now all we have to do
is go and win it!