New Delhi: Having all but captured their record 19th Premier League title, Manchester United are brimming with confidence to capture the European glory as well. And though the final against the favourites Barcelona could be as tough as it can get, their squad does have players that can help the Red Devils achieve what many think is a difficult preposition for them.
Ryan Giggs: The veteran of record 612 appearances for the Red Devils, Giggs will be the one player Sir Alex Ferguson would pin his hopes on to come good in the final at Wembley. The Welshman's ability to outrun his opponents has been phenomenal and his playmaking skills are second to none. The veteran is a real delight for the team's attacking players as his passes have helped those scoring innumerable goals. Someone, who has been a part of club's every major success, both domestically and in Europe, Giggs has been the driving force for United since he made his debut during the 1990-91 season. And after having played a pivotal role in the team's record 19th Premier League title this season, Giggs should play a decisive role if United have to achieve the Europe glory on May 28.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic: The two central backs make one of the strongest duo in club football in Europe. They both have played important roles in the club's success season after season. While both are exceptional in one-to-one marking, it's Vidic's ability to score goals from header that adds additional dimension to his game. But the final at the Wembley will be a different ball game all together as the two will not only have to stop the likes of Lionel Messi, David Villa and Andre Iniesta, but they also have to look for scoring opportunities which will be difficult to come by that night. But winning the League title this season has just given them a necessary fillip to raise their game further notches and come out shining in the match that could be the biggest in their careers.
Edvin van der Sar: Is there anyone who wants this goal-keeper to retire after this season? Surely not after the spectacular season the Dutch had in 2010-11. He seems to have found a new lease of life and his performance is just a reflection of that. The oppositions’ players found it hard to send the ball past this tallest member of the Red Devils’ squad. And though he is living the 40th year of his life, he is doing his role as beautifully as you would expect from an 18-year-old. But this time the opposition's ability to score will be way better than what the veteran has seen in quite some time and he has a real task at hands in what could be his last competitive match for the club.
Javier Hernandez: He is nothing short of revelation for the Manchester United this season. Being already touted as the best bargain Sir Alex made in his entire career, the 'Chicharito', as he is better known as, has already netted 20 goals this season. His ability to take starts the moment his teammates passes the ball in his direction is undoubtedly the USP of this 22-year-old Mexican. He also reaches the opposite half in the blink of an eye and score goals from the positions many would find hard to imagine. But the Champions League final, against arguably the best club in Europe, could be the challenge this extremely talented player was dreaming of since his childhood and, no wonder if this wonder boy delivers for his club the way he has been doing though out this season.
Wayne Rooney: The Champions League final is already been seen as a contest of two fearsome players representing their respective teams. But it is Rooney whose form will be more crucial than Messi's when it comes to changing the course of the game in his team's favour. And having already been a dominant figure in team's success this season, Rooney is going to the Wembley final as the most prized possession of the Devils. He has already scored the best goal, the bicycle kick goal, against the city rivals Manchester City this season and looked promising for many more in the current season. He has netted 14 goals for United this season and could be one such player Carles Puyol and Co. will have to watch out for as he is well capable of inscribing the glory for Man United and that too at the Wembley.
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