FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.05.2009 13:05

United at the back

Roger Bogunyà

Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand form one of the best central defensive partnerships in European football while John O'Shea and Patrice Evra alongside them create one of the best back fours in the world.

Manchester United enjoyed a run of 14 games without conceding a goal in the Premier League this term and have let in just six in the Champions League, both of which prove just how good they are at the back. Last term Barça could not find a way past them in the two-legged semi-final, but on Wednesday they will be hoping to do just that in Rome.

Power and speed

"Their central defenders are very tall and very good, with power and speed," Sylvinho explained, while Xavi described the pair as "efficient". Samuel Eto'o, who will be one of the main players to try and test Vidic and Ferdinand added: "They are the best pairing at the back."

Wing play

Barça will look to find a way through to the Manchester United goal down the flanks, but there they will come up against O'Shea on the right and Evra on the left. O'Shea has become a regular in the absence of the injured Wes Brown and the utility player has shown how good he can be in a variety of positions by standing out at right-back. Evra is also fearsome and Seydou Keita is well aware of his ability. "He is a quality player," the Blaugrana midfielder stated.

Barcelona style

Bojan Krkic has watched Manchester United play and is a fan of the way that the English champions approach games, but it is at the back that he is impressed. "They are one of the best in the world there," he said. But all the players have said recently that if Barcelona play the way that they know how then they can cause the English outfit problems. Stopping United at the other end will be another key though, as Sir Alex Ferguson's side have only lost two games this season in which they had already taken the lead.