Football Club Buzz

29/07/2011 11:14 , Adam Marshall

United face another severe examination against Pep’s princes…

Form guideUnited have a 100 percent record on tour and the goals have flowed. The 4-0 battering of MLS All-Stars now means all the forwards who have played out in the US have managed to find the net at least once. Barca have already enjoyed more success in pre-season, getting past Internacional on penalties before defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Audi Cup final with new sensation Thiago Alcantara scoring both goals.

Ins and outsSir Alex has promised he’ll give lengthy run-outs to most of his stars ahead of the Community Shield on Sunday week. Javier Hernandez is ruled out after suffering concussion but wouldn’t have played in any case. The boss has a tough choice in goal between David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard. Barca’s Copa America stars are missing and that includes Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves amongst others as well as new signing Alexis Sanchez. Xavi is back in training after an injury lay-off and should be involved.

Last meetingWembley Stadium, 28 May 2011, the Champions League final. A masterful performance from the Catalans saw them to a comfortable 3-1 win thanks to goals from Pedro, Messi and David Villa. Wayne Rooney’s superb response before half-time was, ultimately, in vain.

Top man For all of Messi’s magic, it’s arguable that Xavi was man of the match at Wembley. The midfielder ran the show and orchestrated a superb team performance by dictating the tempo and pulling the strings. A wonderful footballer in the Paul Scholes mould, he is the man who makes Pep Guardiola’s side tick – with able support from Andres Iniesta and, of course, Messi who won’t feature.

Source : ManUtd News

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