FC Barcelona Sport

 Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has spoken of his admiration for Barcelona, claiming that the current crop of players at the Camp Nou will go down as one of the greatest teams of all time.

 United have met Barcelona twice recently, coming out on top in the 2008 Champions League semi-final before going on to win the tournament, and most recentlty, losing out in the following year’s final to the same side.
As this season’s tournament nears the knockout stage, Rooney has stated that Barcelona are the team to beat if his side are to lift Europe’s elite club competition for a fourth time.

"They are a fantastic team and people will remember what this Barcelona side have done for a long time to come, like the great Real Madrid and Manchester United teams.

"Their football is brilliant to watch and they win games playing that way, which is the main thing.

"Barcelona stand out for me. You can safely say if you beat Barcelona you have a good chance of winning the competition."

This season’s final is to be held at Wembley, which just proves to be an even bigger temptation for the striker and a great way to end a season of underachievement, and uncertainty over his future, on a personal level.

"It is a relief to have the contract situation sorted and feel settled," he said.

"I know I made the right decision to stay. It has been a tough time but I am looking forward to helping the team win trophies."

Before the possible challenge of Barcelona, United face Marseille in the first knock-out round and Ferguson will no doubt look to his younger ranks to get the job done, a crop of players that have impressed Rooney this season.

"Rafael has done really well this season and played a lot of games," said Rooney.

"Nani is a match winner. We always knew he had the ability but he is doing it more consistently this year.

"Anderson had a bad injury but has done really well and is playing some great football since coming back.

"If those three can keep progressing as they are then they are going to be big players for us and an important part of the team in future.

"That's the thing about Manchester United. Great players are always coming in."