Ferguson says Barcelona is the best side he has ever faced

Updated on: 30 May,2011 08:47 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Ferguson says Spanish side is the best he has ever faced as Man U boss after 1-3 loss in final

Ferguson says Spanish side is the best he has ever faced as Manu00a0U boss after 1-3 loss in final

Barcelona players celebrate after winning the Champions League final
against Manchester United in London on Saturday. PIC/Getty Images

United were out-passed and out-played in a 3-1 defeat by the La Liga champions, who many believe are the best club side in the world.

While Wayne Rooney equalised Pedro's opener in the first half, second half strikes by Lionel Messi and David Villa gave Barcelona a deserved 3-1 victory which could have been even more convincing.

Ferguson said: "In my time as a manager it is the best team we have faced. I think everyone acknowledges that. I accept that. It's not easy when you have been well beaten like that to think any other way.

"No one has given us a hiding like that. It's a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and they enjoy their football.

"They mesmerise you with their passing and we never really controlled Messi. When we got the lifeline of Wayne Rooney I expected us to do better in the second half but it wasn't to be."

Ferguson insisted United tried to play their normal game which was good enough the win the Premier League this season but they never got to grips with the way Barcelona retained possession and dominated midfield.

Ferguson said: "We tried to play the way we normally play. It's alien to us to man-mark players, It wasn't good enough on the night.

"We understand that and we acknowledge it and we can step forward from here."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels