Outclassed

What do you say? What can you say?

United lost to the best squad on the planet and, arguably, the strongest ever. Intellectually you get that.

You also can put a Pollyanna spin on things and say it was a good year and that you’re thankful for it. Intellectually you get this too.

But, now, right now in reality, it hurts. It really hurts.

Crashing expectations from a massive cup match is one thing – how many precious European Championships will you experience in your life? You never know.

But crashing expectations from seeing a gaping hole between yourself and the desired destination is something entirely different and unsettling.

Sublime Barca live light-years in front of the competition and appear to have room for another gear in the box, as we consider that Messi’s only 23 years old, for the love of God. We just sit in awe and watch His Maradonnaesqueness.

For United to reach the Catalan’s heights, it requires one or two world-class players outside of the current roster, I attest. We’re talking a minimum of one more Ronaldo, Messi, or more fittingly, Zizu, not some ordinary transfer or well-cultivated talent: something from another galaxy here. Viva Ronaldo indeed.

Admittedly, the Red Devils possess one master-class talent in Rooney as well as a host of brilliant players from Chicharito all the way through to Vidic.

However, the missing components involve, more precisely, pinnacle-caliber midfielder candidates – one to pull the strings, one to boss matters from box to box and shut down tikka-takka football.

Compounding matters include van der Sar’s certain retirement and the inevitable with Giggs’ and Scholes’ soon to come. In my view, this was a rebuilding year with a bonus EPL title and Champions League run.

Yet, none of that matters now in the haze of disappointment, which hangs and lingers all-too-long.

If you’ve ever read any of my blog posts, you surly anticipate and appreciate the predictable solace that will be found in trusting one Sir Alex Ferguson.

While many will debate whether or not Barca are best-of-all-time, US soccer journalists pondered if Mr. Ferguson was the best sports manager of all time. This conversation involved any sport, including baseball, basketball, hockey and American football.

The verdict?

Lombardi? Nope.

Phil Jackson? No way.

SAF is, without a doubt, the best ever. Simply tally the time and trophies. Best ever, bar none.

So, whom else would you want to be tied to on this new mountain climbing expedition? None other than Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson, that’s who.

Every single one of us loves and trusts our own favorite Glaswegian, especially when he’s got another target on the perch.

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I’ll be back at you sometime this Summer, probably after watching United live in the States and preparing for the 2011-2012 season in earnest. All the best to you during the off-season. Cheers.