In previous parts of this article, we compared Manchester United and FC Barcelona’s achievements, as well as their key players; but, today, we look at something different.
FC Barcelona and Manchester United often complain that they suffer wrong decisions from referees; however, tensions don’t only get between their supporters and officials. In fact, fans from both sides tend argue among themselves on certain issues that took place last season.

Anger among Manchester United fans

Many soccer fans – mostly English fans – accuse FC Barcelona of robbing Chelsea to reach the UEFA Champions League final. Certainly, the game was finally decided trough controversy, as referee Tom Henning-Ovrebo refused to hear the Blues’ numerous appeal on penalty.

In any case, Barcelona happened to play in Rome, where they defeated Manchester United by two goals to nil in the final, and critics begun to raise among Red Devils fans. Yes, one could say that they have a point in questioning the Catalans’ qualification to the Champions League final, but in fact, United fans are also condemning their own team without noticing it.

The controversial Manchester United come back

The beginning of the 2007-08 season wasn’t quite what Sir Alex Ferguson was expecting. After having his ace Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for head butting a player, and having collected only 2 of nine 9 possible points in the Premier League, Fergie couldn’t take it anymore.

It was time for his side to play Tottenham away from home, and the United manager wanted a miracle, this time around.

Luckily for the Red Devils, they managed to get the referee’s favor, and it looked like their perfect gift to make a memorable come back.

Although the Londoners prevented them from scoring with their great defense, Manchester United were still able to keep the score the goalless, after having denied four penalties to the home side.

Undoubtedly, Berbatov and Keane were clearly fouled inside the penalty area on several occasions, but still, the home crowd’s critics didn’t convince the referee.

Surely, this was a piece of unfairness from the official; yet, the Mancunians decided to take advantage of the referee to get their first win of the season. Eventually, Nani scored a goal trough the end of the game, and 1-0 the match ended.

Confidence and strength were back into the team, and having found back their good form, Manchester United went on to win the Premier League title, as well as the UEFA Champions League.

Perhaps, no one recalls this reprehensible act from the English champions. Instead, fans prefer to focus on the event that took place at the Stanford Bridge when Coach Guus Hiddink came up against manager Pep Guardiola.

Indeed, that match was controversial; nonetheless, if Manchester United fans understand that their team robbed Tottenham to gain their form in the start of the previous season, then they must also understand that FC Barcelona justified their qualification trough the Champions League final because of their desire to earn a perfect season.

Written by Isaac Asante

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