Getting down to the business end of the Champions League finalists Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) Who knew Rooney would turn out to be a world-class left winger? But that’s what he’s become, even if it’s not the first position he’d choose to play. Rooney’s successful conversion – even if it’s temporary – is testament to [...]

Hmm, I can guess which way this will go… Park Ji-Sung (Man Utd) Left out of the squad for last year’s final, but Fergie has promised him a role in Rome. He’ll probably start, and on the right (then why do I get the nagging feeling that Fergie will thrown a curveball and start instead [...]

Giggsy has his work cut out here Ryan Giggs (Man Utd) Giggsy is very well respected in Europe, I’d say more so than any British player of the last 15 years. He’s now coming to the end of his illustrious career, but he’s still worth his place in United’s starting line-up (just). I doubt he’ll [...]

Cheeky boy Remember Lee Sharpe? Before Ryan Giggs burst on the scene, Sharpe was United’s poster boy. He was a fine player, but his main problem was a) he liked to party, and b) he just wasn’t as good as Giggs. In the end, he’ll be remembered as just another Englishman who didn’t fulfil his [...]

Vote on this crucial midfield battle Anderson (Man Utd) It would be unfair to call Anderson a headless chicken – he is a more intelligent player than that - but he does have a tendency to run around like a man who left his brain in the changing room. That could be a good or bad [...]

Time for United’s quiet man to step up Michael Carrick (Man Utd) Carrick is the football equivalent of a Saab – he’s classy and efficient but a bit dull. That’s not a criticism. I’m a huge fan of Carrick, and still think he doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. He makes United tick, [...]

Et tu, Fergie? Italian capital living up to “stab city” reputation A Man Utd fan has been stabbed in Rome ahead of tonight’s Champions League final. Greg Wheldon, 34, suffered a knife wound to his left leg after being ambushed as he walked to his hotel near the Vatican early this morning. According to reports, [...]

What the teams will be wearing in Rome Manchester United With Barcelona awarded official home team status in the CL final, Man Utd have chosen to wear an all-white kit (C-Ron can see if he likes playing in all white) with blue trim. The last time the two sides met in a European final, in [...]

English fans of “Anyone But United” want Barcelona to win. Is that a good thing? As I write this post with Radio 5 Live on in the background, all I can hear is angry Scousers and Gooners, talking bitterly about how much they want Man United to lose tonight’s Champions League final. Yep, the Anyone [...]

Ex-Arsenal full-back to deputise for suspended Abidal? Patrice Evra (Man Utd) Evra is the best left-back in the Premier League, and one of the best in the world. Most importantly, he has recovery pace to burn, so when he does make mistakes he almost always gets away with them. Comfortable on the ball, and never [...]

He comes from Serbia, he’ll fookin’ murder ya Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) United’s Player of the Year, as voted for by his team-mates and the club’s fans, makes the perfect foil for Rio Ferdinand. The Serb is a footballing Terminator who absolutely will not stop when it comes to doing his defensive duties. If Barcelona [...]

Will Rio merk his former team-mate? Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) Ferdinand is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and he’s now at his peak. There’s nothing he lacks really, but he tends to lose concentration at times – though not often enough for me to label it as an obvious weakness. The one [...]

Battle of the right-backs John O’Shea (Man Utd) The much maligned Irishman will never win a place in United’s Hall of Fame, but Alex Ferguson trusts him, and that vote of confidence means a lot to a player. I’m sure it’s no accident that Fergie endorsed O’Shea’s place in the starting line-up before that of [...]

Throughout the day, Pies will look closely at the respective teams of United and Barca. We begin at the beginning, with the No.1s Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd) The Dutch veteran has enjoyed a vintage season, breaking Petr Cech’s Prem record for minutes played without conceding a goal. He’ll be 40 next year though, [...]

C-Ron’s giant ego separates into two beautiful, tanned parts Well, looks like Ronny is definitely staying in Manchester. You heard it from the man himself. Great scoop, er, Ronny. [@ Dirty Tackle]

Berby finds true fame, ITV capitalises on Champions League fever In an upcoming episode of Corrie, Jason Grimshaw (no idea who he is) argues with Sean Tully (no idea who he is either) and his new love interest Leon (OK, so Sean is gay, I’m guessing). Jason opens up with this gem: “Say what you [...]

“The Chaaaaampions…” (sings the theme tune) With the Champions League final little more than 24 hours away, Pies rounds up 25 of the finest strikes the competition has ever seen. Because you’re worth it… 25. Mancini, ROMA v Lyon This goal always makes me smile. It’s like a Pro Evolution Soccer goal, complete with opponent-baiting [...]

The build-up to Man Utd v Barcelona starts with shit lookalikes Andres Iniesta and Count Duckula This is really shit, I admit, but there’s something in the mouth that make it work. Maybe.

Suits you, Sir (Alex) It’s a grey suit, get over it.

Guess which player has been confirmed as a definite starter for United in Rome Fergie revealed today the first name in his starting XI against Barcelona on 27 May. Who do you think could be? Answer after the jump…

Fergie reveals real reason why he loves the Champions League “The Wednesday night atmosphere when you, maybe, go to Madrid and Barcelona. You can smell the cigars and there’s perfume wafting down from the stands. It’s wonderful, it’s different. I love it. “You go to Milan and everyone’s so stylish. Every woman who passes you [...]

… But Man Utd midfielder will still miss the final Uefa will discuss Darren Fletcher’s red card, which at least gives some hope to the Scot, who is currently suspended from the Champions League final. An official Uefa statement confirmed that they “received a submission from Manchester United FC concerning the red card shown to [...]

Chelsea striker apologises for sweary rant In a statement on Chelsea’s official website, Mad Drog said: “I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted. “I also accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching [...]

So say Barcelona Ever the gent, Mr JT visited the away dressing room after last night’s CL semi final and shook hands with every single Barcelona player, as well as each member of their coaching staff, including head coach Pep “Young Mourinho” Guardiola. “I want to thank John Terry for coming into the dressing room [...]

Who will win the battle of the Champions League bridesmaids? Someone got busy on Photoshop. A smug Man Utd fan, perhaps? [Thanks to Jamironad for the tip] Seen any more funny football virals? Drop me a line, Pies would love to hear from you