Source: Daily_Mail
Barcelona stars tell Manchester United they're better without Ronaldo
ShareBarcelona's players believe Manchester United have improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009. [LNB]Ronaldo played his last game for United in the Champions League final in Rome - which Barca won 2-0 - before sealing an ?80million switch to the Bernabeu. [LNB]United ended up with only the Carling Cup in their first campaign following the Portugal forward's exit, but this season has seen Sir Alex Ferguson's side reclaim the Barclays Premier League title and progress to the final of the Champions League to face Barca on Saturday at Wembley. [LNB] Old Trafford idol: Cristiano Ronaldo made the move from Manchester United to Real Madrid for ?80m in 2009[LNB]'Their team isn't as direct as before; they like to have the ball,' Barca midfielder Xavi said. 'I don't know if that's because of Cristiano Ronaldo or not, but they move around as a unit now.'[LNB] Striker David Villa added: 'Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has liberated them. Many great players come and go and that has allowed them to remain at the top for so long.'[LNB] Wing-back Davi Alves reckons United's threat is harder to nullify in the absence of the Portuguese. [LNB] Goodbye: Ronaldo's last game for United was the 2009 Champions league final defeat to Barca [LNB]'This Manchester United team is much more unpredictable without Cristiano Ronaldo,' he said. 'They have formed a more balanced group and they are stronger than they were two years ago.'[LNB] Andres Iniesta also believes United have improved. 'They have grown as a team,' said the midfielder. 'They are dominating in England and now they are fighting for the Champions League. [LNB] On top of their game: United lifted the Premier League trophy - their 19th league crown - last weekend[LNB]'Cristiano Ronaldo has left, but apart from that I don't think they have made big changes and they are always competitive.'[LNB] Coach Pep Guardiola sees little difference to the side Barca beat in Rome. 'It's the same team. Only one player is missing from the team that started in Rome,' he said. 'Only Cristiano Ronaldo has left from that team. (Carlos) Tevez isn't there any more either, but he didn't start in Rome.'[LNB] Just warming up: Sir Alex Ferguson's men in training ahead of Saturday's showpiece[LNB] Brazilian full-back Sylvinho, who started in the 2009 final for Barca but is no longer with the Catalan club, says the two teams are similar to the ones that met two years ago. 'The squads haven't changed much,' he told Sport. 'Cristiano Ronaldo isn't there any more, but United are stronger as a team.'[LNB] Speaking out: Andres Iniesta (left) is one of the Barca players to make comments on United post-Ronaldo[LNB] Now Ferguson issues gagging order to reporter who dared to ask a question about Ryan GiggsAsh cloud forces Barcelona to fly to London two days early ahead of Euro showdownEXCLUSIVE: The night Aston was Busby's best man at WembleyBring on Barca! United captain Vidic sets his sights on Wembley showdown Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, David Villa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pep Guardiola Places: Barcelona, Rome, Portugal, United Kingdom
