And now it’s on to Germany! The big games come thick and fast when you’re a Manchester United fan – and nobody wants it any other way. With four games remaining in the Premier League, the record title has not yet been won but it’s sure looking good after Chicharitos late winner against Everton. So much so that one bookmaker said after the win on Saturday that they will pay out immediately on United winning the title. Betfred boss Fred Done said “It’s costing me £300,000 but I’m delighted because my beloved United are over the finishing line.” Remember that Done did the same thing in 1998 and finished up with egg all over his face but has no doubts about his decision this time saying that “You could say I haven’t learnt my lesson but lightning can’t strike twice. I remember in ’98 Sir Alex Ferguson had a right go at me for paying out early but don’t worry Alex it won’t happen again. It’s United’s title.”
So if Done’s correct, it leaves United with the task of winning the Champions League to achieve a fabulous double. Spanish giants Barcelona or Real Madrid must be faced at Wembley on May 28 yet United’s toughest battle could come in the two leg semi final against German opponents Schalke 04. Does that sound like an unlikely proposal? Of course it does. Ferguson will have the huge challenge of defeating either Pep Guardiola’s Barca or Jose Mourinho’s Real IF United can get past the Germans, but the best Spain can offer are both beatable – and here’s why.
Mourinho showed in the Spanish Cup Final this week that Barcelona are not invincible. On the other hand, Barca proved just a few weeks back how easily Real can be beaten with a huge 5-0 thrashing in La Liga. So where does that leave United if they can make it into the Final? Simple. They will be yet another Premier League/First Division club side who has never lost one against foreign opposition on home soil.
When was the last time an English club was defeated in a European Final in London? Have I forgotten something or does it simply not happen? There’s always a first time of course but I know who my money will be on in a 90, maybe 120 minute Final at Wembley Stadium IF United can get past the difficult German hurdle.
Will Barca or Real be unbeatable in a Wembley Final against United?
