Source: Daily_Mail
The four key questions: Jamie Redknapp and Andy Townsend assess what went wrong in Rome
What and who were the biggest disappointments in Rome?
AT: Wayne Rooney will not be satisfied with his input. I just wanted him released from the shackles. He was out in wide areas, unable to get into the game and he’s too good to be a bit-part player.
Messi was able to come in from wide areas to get on the ball, but Rooney was never afforded that luxury. It reminded me of an England team at the quarter-final stage of a competition, when they are guilty of giving away the ball and they have to wait an age to get it back, chasing the ball and running out of steam.
JR: United didn’t play at all. The early goal changed the game and they endured 80 minutes of pain. First you become tired, then you become desperate, then you become angry. Then Barcelona hit them again with a second goal.
We are not used to seeing Manchester United without answers. They had gone 25 games undefeated in the competition, and kept 39 clean sheets in 65 games, but we have rarely seen them so short.
What is the best midfield you have played against?
AT: Portugal with Paulo Sousa, Luis Figo and Rui Costa. It was Ireland v Portugal in the European Championship qualifiers and, I am telling you, I know how Carrick and Anderson felt in Rome. I didn’t know whether to go tight, stand off or offer gentle pressure. They just popped it around us and I came off the pitch having never been so tired in my life. I was chasing shadows.
JR: Any midfield with Paul Scholes playing. He was the best I played against and Xavi and Iniesta are like two Paul Scholes! They are playmaking twins, who lend the ball to each other — ‘you have it... please may I have it back now’. I would have hated to have played against them, I would not wish that experience endured by Carrick and Anderson on my worst enemy. It was a masterclass.
Where do United go from here?
JR: No knee-jerk reaction. If Carlos Tevez is leaving, they might look at the Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who has scored goals at Champions League level, but will cost them £30million-plus.
They will study their midfielders, players not doing the jobs they were asked to, such as Anderson. He was picked for his energy and aggression, to get around and all over Iniesta and Xavi, but he thought he could play with them. It was an education for the boy. I wonder if United regret selling Gerard Pique?
One thing to be certain of is that their progress is in the best hands. Sir Alex Ferguson is brilliant at reacting.
AT: They played without cool and precision passing, but this is the best team in England. They do not require great surgery. They were second best in crucial areas but that will inspire this group of players. Expect one or two signings, but would a Franck Ribery have made a difference in this game?
We often say Arsenal have no Plan B, but this was United without a Plan B. Liverpool’s midfield three of Gerrard at the point and Alonso and Mascherano sitting would not have been so exposed.
Barcelona’s first choice three of Toure, Iniesta and Xavi is as good as any in Europe. Only Liverpool’s three come close.
Where does Ronaldo go from here?
AT: We have to believe him when he says he will stay, don’t we? I watched him closely after the game and this result hurt him. He still has unfinished business in Manchester.
JR: I agree. If Real Madrid want to cause a fuss, then let them. But why would Cristiano Ronaldo give up playing for Manchester United, to go to a club in decline?
