And the Reds go marching on....

"Merseyside are you watchingggGGGGG!!!" was resounding all over and make no mistake Rooney made sure Merseyside did at least hear Manchester celebrating(You maybe forgiven for thinking Mancity is from Manchester and Everton from Merseyside!).

Well, Blackburn Rovers showed more intent than Chelsea to get three points but to use the phrase 'time and again' would be appropriate. Though the United lineup was a strong one there were many nervy moments but hey, I'm not here to talk about that match. United sealing it mathematically at Ewood Park(logically, the title could have been given at the start of the season) was irony at its best, the place which was considered the turning point last season, to prevent United getting that four in a row!

Other managers have been commenting on how United don't have a star player, how they lack the flair and pace - POOF! Even by standards of the weak(supposedly) United team, they have proved themselves too hot to handle for Chelsea and Arsenal. Hell with the star players, who needs better players than Giggs, Rooney, Vidic and Vandersar, to name a few. The fact is that other teams are getting bored of seeing United doing it again and again. But whichever team United has played down the years, the success can truly be attributed only to the 'great scot!' Ferguson!

To use the word Phenomenon would be an understatement to the gaffer's achievements. He has developed talents into top players, bought the right ones(Berbatov too!) and most importantly made transition of teams the proper way(Are you reading, Wenger?). He doesn't care who the player is, he makes sure people know who's the boss here, contact David Beckham and Diego Forlan for further details. People completely wrote United off after Ronaldo and Tevez left, but here he is lifting the 19th title for United and still chewing on his gum the same way!

This United team has got potential, the midfield may look a little worn out Carrick and Fletcher may radiate that sense of mediocrity(a borrowed phrase), but the truth is that they step up when needed. United have won the title and are in the final of the champions league, so no one can argue if this team can conquer the world. Maybe this team lacks a little class, but makes up for it with hard work. I expect United to make their mark yet again, winning the CL. Go United....

Vinay

Barca Invincible(not the Madrid version)!

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.