Rooney: Barca are setting the standards

20 January 2011 17:30
Wayne Rooney has claimed the current Barcelona side will go down as one of the greatest teams of all time. Manchester United have had two epic duels with the Catalans, emerging triumphant in the 2008 Champions League semi-final when Paul Scholes scored the only goal over two legs, but suffering heartache in Rome a year later when they were totally outclassed by Lionel Messi and company. And, as thoughts begin to turn towards the resumption of this season's competition, Rooney has already identified Barcelona as the team to beat if United are to be crowned European champions for a fourth time. "They are the team to beat," Rooney told the official Champions League magazine. "They are a fantastic team and people will remember what this Barcelona side have done for a long time to come, like the great Real Madrid and Manchester United teams. "Their football is brilliant to watch and they win games playing that way, which is the main thing. "Barcelona stand out for me. You can safely say if you beat Barcelona you have a good chance of winning the competition."

Source: PA