Barcelona are currently the most happening team in the world. Managers(even special ones!) have come and gone, trying to find a "weakness" in the side, but could not help but stare in awe(or cry, complain, whatever...) as their team was torn apart.
This should tell you why Barcelona side is feared by all. The thing is that they have got players for each position, with qualities that complement every other of the eleven. We take a deep look into the linkup play and the way Barcelona attack(read assasinate) :
-> The Xavi-Messi-Iniesta combo : No one knows what Messi's proper position is, a creative forward(Maradona!) perhaps but no matter where he plays, his ability to drop deep and carry the ball or push it forward remains a sight to behold. The spanish cabildero Iniesta and Xavi are like a soul split into two bodies(no, they aren't gay, thanks for the interest though!). If the trio can be stopped, the efficiency of the team will surely decrease.
-> Alves-Pedro-Iniesta : Pedro has been an unsung hero for Barcelona. His work ethic is absolutely fantastic. With Alves spending most of the 90 minutes in the other half, one can expect most of the Catalans' attacks from the right. While Iniesta can also seamlessly slip into the "Beckham" role to the right of midfield, curtailing Alves' freedom will be a major task, especially when his scoring boots are on.
-> Villa-Messi-Pedro : Without Messi, Barca wouldn't be half as strong(hyped) as they are. Villa's had quite a subdued role, playing slightly to the left but his finishing remains as clinical as ever and remains the catalyst in the counter attacks.
Barcelona is as good as any other European club in set pieces. Puyol has a really good head, while Messi and Pedro can run between the other's legs. With Xavi delivering corners with pinpoint accuracy and Alves putting in some powerful drives from free kicks, physical play against them isn't an option.
The thing with Barca is that, when you look at their departments separately, there is a feeling it can be matched by other teams("Messi" department not included!). But, it is their collective play and team ethic that has won them the trophies. Gone are the days when they used to depend on Ronaldinho; Guardiola's done a wonderful job maintaining the discipline and harmony, you don't hear players like Mascherano(THE Argentine captain!) complaining of lack of playing time.
The prospect of Manutd-Barca final remains as meaty as any other prospect. Though MUFC is more accustomed to the Wembley, I don't see the Catalans having a lesser chance. The winner makes the double.
