Back in Stadio Olimpico, Rome, 2009, United put on early pressure, but a 10-minute goal has put United on their back-foot, shifting the entire game in Barcelona's favour. United deployed a 4-3-3 system, with the solid Rio Vidic partnership in centre back. Anderson playing alongside Carrick in the absence of Fletcher looked energetic at first but Barca's dominant possession coupled with their superb pass completion rate have kept United at bay.
This time round, Barca would not have Henry nor Eto'o in their attacking front, whose roles will be replaced by Villa and Pedro respectively. Fletcher missed the 2009 final and that could've contributed to the midfield dominance by the Xavi-Basquets-Iniesta triplet, with Xavi and Basquets averaging the most passes made per game. Sir Alex could field the best defensive forward Park to keep up the tempo at United's midfield, deploying Carrick or Fletcher to sit on top of the centre backs, occupying the space which Messi is likely to appear. However, the level of match fitness of Fletcher comes into question and it is doubtful whether he will feature part of a demanding Champions League final.
Up front, whether Hernandez would partner Rooney would depend on the midfield featured. The potency of Hernandez this term has shifted Sir Alex's tactics so that Rooney has adopted a deeper role, thereby dropping into midfield to help out Carrick and Giggs, while Park and Valencia patrol the wide areas.
Rooney's ability to defend as well as attack would make him a good candidate to negate Basquets, whilst allowing Hernandez to keep Barca's back four busy. Moreover, the Mexican could add supreme value in United's counter attacks.
Another possible 4-2-3-1 tactic would mean a break-up of the superb partnership of Rooney and Hernandez. Rooney's tireless tracking back into midfield at times of Barca attack could release the likes of Nani and Valencia down the flanks once Barca losses possession. Nani and Valencia definitely possess the pace to run pass Alves and out-of-position Puyol. Abidal and Maxwell are returning from injury and this would cause a shift of Mascherano into an unfamiliar centre-back position and will see Valenca trying to exploit the space behind Puyol.
There is going to be a time when Barca will dominate possession, and it will run down United player's energy when they try to win it back. So Sir Alex might ask his team to close down and press only in certain areas on the field. It is vital how United hold onto and use the ball once they've won it, as they would never want to give it away easily having consumed vast amount of energy. Hence United players have to be focused at all time, to chase the ball, and to avoid misplaced passes. To win the game, United needs to play fast, and proactive, as they're never a successful reactive side like Mourinho's Internationale last season. United have players who are capable of stopping Barca. Giggs could add value by acting to dictate and shift the tempo of United's play.
Sir Alex has a full squad to choose from. He often comes up with something unexpected in big games.
Champions League Final 2009:
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Puyol; Xavi, Basquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Park, Valencia, Giggs; Rooney, Hernandez.
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