Dennis Mortimer is backing United
Thursday 26th May 2011, 3:00PM BST.
Villa’s European Cup winning captain Dennis Mortimer believes Manchester United can upset the odds and defeat Barcelona in the Champions League final.
Barcelona are hot favourites to win Europe’s top club competition for the fourth time when they face the Red Devils at Wembley on Saturday night.
But Mortimer, who captained Villa to European Cup glory against Bayern Munich in 1982, is confident United will not go down without a fight
He said: “The European Cup is the pinnacle of the club game and Sir Alex Ferguson has done brilliantly just to get them to another final.
“But they will be under no illusions about what they have to do to win the trophy. It will be tough for United to win it but Barcelona can be beaten.
“United will have loads of fans at Wembley so that will help. It will feel like a home a game.
“If they are to stand a chance they must keep it tight at the back and, of course, put the shackles on Lionel Messi who is easily the best player in the world right now.
“Either way, I am expecting a great match.”
Mortimer, 59, who is now an FA development coach, was speaking at a special event featuring more than 120 local children playing in their own mini-Champions League tournament held at Moseley Secondary School.
He added: “It is great to see so many youngsters enjoying football. You never know, we might have seen another future Champions League finalist among those we’ve watched.”
UK Sport
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